The National Capital Authority is inviting feedback on the first stage of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra City Masterplan.
The overarching masterplan, prepared by MGS Architects, Snøhetta and Turf Design Studio, proposes the staged development of a new UNSW campus in Canberra's CBD - in what will be the tertiary institution's second campus in the territory. The Australian Capital Territory government approved the masterplan for the campus in April 2023. Once complete, the UNSW Canberra City campus is anticipated to accommodate up to 5,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The National Capital Authority (NCA) has now received a works approval application for the first of four project stages. Designed by Hassell, the first phase proposes the establishment of two six-storey buildings that will accommodate teaching, event and retail spaces on the lower floors, as well as workspaces and research areas for research partners on the upper levels. The first stage also includes basement car parking and associated landscaping.
The proposed buildings will be located at the corner of Constitution Avenue and Coranderrk Street in Parkes. The site is currently occupied by the Canberra Institute of Technology, which will transfer its students to a new purpose-built campus in Woden.
According to Hassell's design report, the stage one buildings are connected yet embrace a distinct character and massing. The report noted that Building One features a curved facade with solid infils and vertical fins that respond to the building's orientation. In contrast, Building Two's facade is characterised by a series of deep fins and vertical modules, incorporating both glazed and solid infills.
The two buildings are physically linked by a series of elevated bridges on the upper levels - a move intended to encourage interaction and collaboration between students, staff and research partners.
The report highlighted that sustainability has been a key focus in the project's design. Consequently, the floor plans are intended to be flexible, allowing for the inclusion of various research partners and adapting to changes in building usage as the campus continues to develop and evolve.
Djinjama and Ngurra Advisory provided consultation on honouring and Connecting with Country in the design.
Feedback can be provided on the works approval application until 23 May. If approved, stage one of the Canberra City campus development is expected to be completed in 2026. The remainder of the site will be remain a car park until future stages of the development are progressed.
