UNSW CBD Campus
Project overview
UNSW has officially opened its new CBD Campus, offering a modern and welcoming space designed to enhance the University’s education offerings. Located in the heart of Sydney, the campus brings together students, industry and faculty in a dynamic environment that supports collaboration, flexible learning, and sustainability.
A purpose-built campus for the future of learning
UNSW have created a state-of-the-art learning space, designed to adapt to the evolving needs of alumni, students and staff. The fit-out includes:
- Flexible room configurations, including modular spaces that accommodate anything from small roundtable to 34-person seminars and 110 people large-scale lectures.
- Operable walls, flexible furniture enables spaces to shift between individual, group, and large-format learning experiences.
- Seamless integration of AV technology, ensuring each space is equipped to support a variety of events and teaching formats.
- A generous balcony overlooking George Street provides a space for respite and informal gatherings.
Designed for flexibility, comfort and connection
DesignInc’s Interiors team led the project design, retrofitting the education facility within a commercial office building, requiring a conversion of use, development application and compliance development certificate.
With a focus on connectivity and accessibility, the site takes advantage of its prime location, close to major transport interchanges including Circular Quay, Wynyard Station and George Street tram line. A double-height atrium welcomes students from George Street and leads them into a network of modular learning spaces designed for adaptability.
A commercial kitchen and dining amenities enhance the hospitality of the space, supporting onsite events and catering. Thoughtful wayfinding signage, integrated with curated artwork, ensures a smooth and immersive navigation experience for students and visitors.
Sustainability at the core
Sustainability is a defining feature of the new CBD Campus, with key initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing student well-being:
- The CBD Campus is targeting a 5-star Green Star Interiors v1.3 certification, which assures sustainable initiatives in the design and construction of the building fitout works.
- Over 80 square metres of natural planting, improving indoor environmental quality and enhancing a biophilic learning environment.
- Modular FSC-rated timber partitions, low VOC finishes and other buildings materials with Environmental Product Declarations, supporting a more sustainable approach to interior construction.
- Maximised access to daylight and views, improving thermal comfort, indoor environmental quality, and supporting healthy circadian rhythms of its occupants.
- Integration of UNSW’s Green Cleaning Standards, support environmentally responsible and healthier maintenance practices.
- Occupant surveys before and after relocation from previous study areas help UNSW track improvements on the levels of satisfaction achieved with the provision of this new space.
- Being a Green Star rated building itself, the base building features energy-efficient systems, provision of electric vehicle parking and active transport features, as well as proximity to public transport, reinforcing the campus’s role in highly connected, walkable city centre.
A new era for learning at UNSW
With its innovative design, cutting-edge learning spaces, and strong sustainability credentials, UNSW CBD Campus represents a bold step forward in shaping the future of education. The campus officially opened in Term 1, 2025, welcoming students into a space that fosters collaboration, adaptability and environmental responsibility – all in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
Venue and Event Services
If you’re looking for a meeting, seminar or event space, UNSW staff can now book the flexible facilities at CBD Campus. Submit your booking through the Venue and Event Services website.
Get in touch
Visit us
Estate Management Reception
Level 3, Mathews Building F23
Gate 11, Botany Street, Kensington 2033
Contact us
8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
Phone: 02 9385 5111
Email: estate@unsw.edu.au
Have a general inquiry for us? We’d love to hear from you! Please fill out the form below.
Service Request
For repairs & maintenance, general services inquiries or, security services inquiries, you can request assistance by completing the form below.