Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the application seeking approval for?

The application seeks to modify an existing Concept Plan for the UTS Broadway Precinct that was approved in 2009 and has been modified five times to date. Since the initial approval, UTS has experienced significant growth in student enrolments that exceeded projections. The modification would allow up to 36,500m2 of additional gross floor area and provide the university with future opportunities to deliver vibrant, new and significantly improved facilities in this precinct.

Specifically, the application seeks approval for:

• Conceptual sensitive refurbishment and modifications of the existing heritage Bon Marche Building (Building 3) and the smaller heritage buildings (The Terraces and the Loft) on the corner of Broadway and Harris Street;
• Conceptual demolition of the existing Science Building 4 and rear section of Building 3;
• Creation of a new building envelope for the Bon Marche and Science Precinct with an effective height above Harris Street of approximately 15/16 storeys and 6 storeys above Thomas Street
• A public domain concept incorporating opportunities to improve pedestrian connections and amenity along Harris Street, Thomas Street and Broadway and between Alumni Green and these streets;
• An indicative landscape concept for the precinct that includes the creation of significant open space for use by university students, staff and visitors within a sky garden that could connect to UTS buildings 1 and 7.

Find the full application on the Department of Planning and Environment website.

 

• Why does UTS need another new building?

UTS has experienced significant growth in student enrolments over the past decade. Through that time, there have also been dramatic changes to the space demands for learning, teaching and research. Through a $1 billion-plus investment in our City Campus Master Plan, we have delivered a number of significant new buildings, as well as refurbishing existing facilities. This has allowed us to accommodate our growing community of staff and students in state-of-the-art learning, teaching and research spaces.

The university is currently exploring a range of opportunities for potential further redevelopment of – and improvements to – our campus, as we continue to plan for the future. The lodgement of this application is part of that broader work, to ensure we can accommodate long-term growth and remain at the cutting edge of teaching, learning, research and sustainability.

We are commencing this planning work now as the timeline for delivering a new building takes many years. The lodgement of this application is simply the first step in a long planning process that will require a design competition, as well as detailed design and technical studies subject to further assessment.

 

• What is being done to protect the heritage of the existing buildings?

The application includes a Conservation Management Plan that documents the heritage significance of the site and proposes conceptual modifications to ensure that significant heritage assets will continue to be conserved if the site is redeveloped.

These modifications include:

• Maintaining the street façade of the existing Bon Marche building;
• Retaining and refurbishing The Loft;
• Retaining and refurbishing The Terraces on Broadway.

Management of existing heritage assets will be further developed as planning progresses.

 

• Can I see the building designs?

This application does not seek approval for any building designs. It is simply the first step in a long planning process that will require a design competition, as well as detailed design and technical studies subject to further assessment.

We will continue to share information as plans for future built form and public domain improvements are further developed.

 

• How will the proposal enhance the amenity and open space of the local area?

The proposed modification includes proposed landscape and public domain improvements that would enhance pedestrian connections in and around the precinct, as well as adding to open space.

Proposed landscape and public domain improvements include:

• landscape architecture along the Harris St corridor, introducing new trees and respite areas
• internal courtyards with possibility for new seating and greenery
• opportunities for green walls
• new access points between Harris St and the existing Alumni Green lawn
• a Sky Garden providing additional outdoor space, with gardens, social spaces and opportunities for internal pavilions, wellness centre and café.

 

• When will building work commence? Will this disrupt the local area?

This application does not seek approval for any construction work. It is simply the first step in a long planning process that will require further assessment before any construction work is approved.

We will continue to share information as plans for future built form and public domain improvements are further developed. There will be many further opportunities for our neighbours and interested stakeholders to provide feedback before any construction timeline is set.

 

• How do I give my feedback or get more information?

You can provide feedback about our proposal or ask for further information by emailing us at ourchangingcampus@uts.edu.au.

A full copy of our application can be found on the Department of Planning and Environment website.