The University of Newcastle is one step closer to realising its CBD dream, with a development application now lodged for its planned Honeysuckle campus.
Newcastle Council and the Hunter Development Corporation have welcomed the progress, with Council financing part of the planned Hunter Innovation Partnership's (HIP) Innovation Hub, in partnership with the University and the NSW Government.
The University's School of Creative Industries has also been brought closer with DA lodgement.
The first stage of development, the design process, is now underway for the Innovation Hub, with construction to begin in 2019 and delivery in 2020.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city campus will create more jobs and bring hundreds of students to the CBD.
"This masterplan project is four times the size of New Space," the Lord Mayor said.
"It's a game changer for the city of Newcastle...in having the University in our city centre, the economic benefits and flow-on effects for local business is phenomenal," she concluded.
HDC Chief Executive Michael Cassel said, "we've got the transport component to support the movement of people through this precinct - this is what will bring the life back to the city.
"This will be the nucleus for job growth, which is the second phase [of the Revitalising Newcastle program."
University of Newcastle Chief Operating Officer Nat McGregor said the Honeysuckle campus is an integral part of the institution's strategic plan for 2016-2025.
"We'll bring the best minds together and harness the creative talent in the region...thanks to this collaboration," Mr McGregor said.
He's referring to the agreement struck between HDC and the University of Newcastle, announced by NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian in late 2016.
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| Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes addresses the media in Honeysuckle today. |
