E25 Biolink Redevelopment
Overview
The E25 BioLink Redevelopment is a major renewal project that will transform an ageing and underused building on UNSW Sydney’s Kensington upper campus into a modern, sustainable and future-focused hub for teaching, learning and research.
Originally constructed in the mid-1970s, E25 is being adaptively reused and extended to support the evolving needs of students, researchers and staff. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, the project extends the life of the existing structure while delivering contemporary facilities designed for collaboration, innovation and flexibility.
Located on upper campus within the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct, E25 will strengthen connections between teaching, research and industry while improving accessibility and connectivity across the Chancellery Walk precinct and surrounding biomedical sciences area.
The redevelopment will deliver contemporary teaching and learning environments, advanced research facilities for UNSW’s School of Psychology, upgraded collaboration spaces and improved public areas that enhance the everyday campus experience for students, staff and visitors.
The project has also been informed through engagement with the local Bidjigal community, helping ensure the design meaningfully responds to Country, place and the surrounding campus environment.
Sustainability is central to the redevelopment. The project prioritises adaptive reuse and low-carbon design principles, including building electrification, rooftop solar, energy-efficient systems, water-saving infrastructure and the diversion of 90 per cent of construction waste from landfill.
E25 forms part of UNSW’s broader Campus Development Plan and aligns with the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All by creating more inclusive, resilient and connected campus environments that support excellence in education and research.
The project is expected to be completed by early 2028.
The E25 redevelopment will deliver
- contemporary teaching and learning environments
- advanced research facilities for UNSW’s School of Psychology
- flexible and adaptable spaces that can evolve over time
- improved collaboration and social spaces for students and staff
- upgraded accessibility and campus circulation
- activated landscaped public areas
- a stronger campus identity and arrival experience
- improved sustainability and energy performance
- stronger integration with adjacent biomedical and science buildings.
How is the project progressing?
UNSW has received State Significant approval for the redevelopment. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026.
Frequently asked question
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Project documentation is available on the NSW Planning Portal.
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The E25 Biolink Redevelopment is a major renewal project on UNSW's upper campus that will transform an ageing and underused building into a modern, sustainable and future-focused teaching and research facility.
The project includes the refurbishment and extension of the existing E25 building to deliver new teaching, learning and research spaces, improved accessibility, upgraded public areas and enhanced sustainability outcomes.
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The E25 Biolink was originally constructed in the mid-1970s and is nearing the end of its operational lifespan. Parts of the building are currently underused and no longer meet the evolving needs of students, researchers and staff.
The redevelopment will:
- provide contemporary teaching and research spaces
- improve accessibility and student experience
- address ageing infrastructure and compliance issues
- support future teaching and research growth
- revitalise an important part of upper campus
- improve sustainability through adaptive reuse rather than demolition.
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E25 is located on UNSW’s upper Kensington campus within the Biomedical Sciences precinct, near Chancellery Walk and adjacent to existing science and biomedical buildings.
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Adaptive reuse significantly reduces embodied carbon and construction waste while extending the life of the existing structure.
By refurbishing and extending E25, UNSW can improve sustainability outcomes while delivering modern facilities that support future campus needs.
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UNSW is committed to minimising disruption throughout construction.
While there may be temporary impacts such as noise, changed pedestrian routes and construction activity in the surrounding area, the project team will work closely with stakeholders to manage impacts and maintain continuity of teaching and research activities wherever possible.
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UNSW will provide regular project updates through:
- staff and student newsletters
- Estate Management communications
- project web pages
- stakeholder briefings
- signage and campus notices
- targeted communications for impacted groups.
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Sustainability is a key focus of the redevelopment. Planned initiatives include:
- adaptive reuse of the existing building structure
- building electrification
- rooftop solar photovoltaics
- highly efficient mechanical systems
- water-efficient fixtures and irrigation
- increased natural light and thermal performance
- use of low-impact materials
- native landscaping and biodiversity improvements
- diversion of 90% of construction waste from landfill.
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Questions and feedback can be directed to estate@unsw.edu.au
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E25 is part of Stage 1 of the broader Campus Development Strategy and the University’s vision to create a world-class, student-centred, digitally enabled campus.
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UNSW has several significant developments running concurrent to the E25 redevelopment:
1. Education Building (G25)
2. Iglu/Western Carpark student accommodation
3. Barker St Carpark expansion (N18)
4. Barker St Accommodation (N13)
Get in touch
Visit us
8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
Estate Management Reception
Level 3, Mathews Building F23
Gate 11, Botany Street, Kensington 2033
Contact us
Phone: 02 9385 5111 (24/7)
Email: estate@unsw.edu.au
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