Sydney's Broadway makeover 'not just physical'

While UTS's City Campus Master Plan is certainly playing a major part in enhancing the precinct, partnerships and cooperation with other local landmark developments, mean the benefits reach far beyond the buildings themselves.

UTS's government relations adviser Kate Meagher says: "This is not just a physical transformation.

"Working with all levels of government, our industry partners and neighbours, UTS is helping to grow a globally significant creative and digital precinct which will generate jobs, new services, products, knowledge and ideas to help build the digital economy."

These collaborations mean UTS staff and students will have access to developments such as Central Park. Located just across the road from the Tower, the Frasers Property and Sekisui House development includes the 6400 square metre public park Chippendale Green (which opened last December), a six-storey 'vertical mall', and thousands of apartments, 688 of which have been specifically designed for students.

Another noteworthy development is the revamped Goods Line – a walkway extending pedestrian access all the way from Central Station to Darling Harbour through UTS.

"In the precinct's spirit for innovation, the development distinguishes itself from any ordinary walkway by the addition of an amphitheater and a variety of other social spaces to make the line a vibrant asset, rather than just a thoroughfare," says Meagher.

It also forms an important part of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority's Darling Harbour South master plan. The most significant of these changes include the revamp of what will be Australia's largest convention and exhibition space.

But UTS is not just an onlooker.

"UTS is at the heart of this with our $1 billion investment in the campus master plan which is contributing $3.2 billion to the NSW economy," says Meagher. Landmark UTS buildings will include the Dr Chau Chak Wing building, designed by iconic architect Frank Gehry, and the Broadway building, west of the Tower.

There may even be opportunity for the university to collaborate in the federal government's Industry Innovation Precinct program, which could offer further funding and access to a large scale Industrial Transformation Research program.

It is because of these sorts of opportunities that Sydney-siders should be excited about the future of this precinct with the creation new jobs, services, markets and ideas on a large scale.

And, as the completion of construction rapidly approaches – later this year the Dr Chak Chau Wing and Broadway buildings will reach full height, Central Park will near overall completion, and the Goods Line will begin construction – UTS staff and students will arguably be best placed to reap the benefits.

Source: The University of Technology Sydney