The refurbishment scope has been determined and the space will replace the forced resumption of UNE’s premises at 232 Church Street by the Government’s Sydney Metro West program of works.
The project will involve the update of 1.5 levels of the building to include a modern concierge area, informal learning spaces and general teaching spaces.
Sue-Ellen Hogan, Director UNE Metro and Regions, said that UNE’s increasing presence in Parramatta is an exciting growth opportunity for UNE.
“The team in Parramatta is working hard at growing UNE’s footprint in Parramatta, which is one of the largest growth centers in Australia. There is huge potential for even greater connection with industry, and for this to benefit our staff and students,” Sue-Ellen said.
“We are excited that works have commenced on the new premises at 28 George Street, as it means more opportunity for students from greater Western Sydney to connect with staff and other students in a central location. It also means we can increase the number of students we teach, as more general teaching spaces are a part of the refurbishment.
“We currently support more than 400 international students, and in 2023 more than 1500 students living and working around the Greater Sydney region used our facilities in Parramatta. These students engage with 38 UNE staff, professional and academic, who are currently based permanently or regularly work from the Sydney campus.”
Growth in Parramatta is expected to be supported by some of UNE’s new courses, including demand in IT related disciplines (Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security) and also health disciplines.
“Courses currently offered on campus at UNE Sydney which will utilise these spaces are Bachelor of Business, Master of Business Administration (International), Master of Information Technology, Master of Cybersecurity and Bachelor of Nursing,” Sue-Ellen said.
“UNE Sydney will offer additional courses commencing in Trimester 2 2024, which are Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Digital Marketing and Master of Artificial Intelligence.”
28 George Street will complement UNE’s other spaces in Parramatta at 211 Church Street (student study centre and student support hub) and 100 George Street (teaching space, student commons and study space).
Building works will be underway in March 2024, led by project manager Essence, builder Sense Projects and architect DWP.
