An Engineering Innovation Hub to be built in Parramatta will be the fruit of an innovative partnership between UNSW Sydney and Western Sydney University.
Louise Templeton
Corporate Communications
+61 (0)413 495 994
louise.templeton@unsw.edu.au
UNSW Sydney today announced an Australian-first collaboration with Western Sydney University to develop a world-class Engineering Innovation Hub in Parramatta.
The two universities are developing a custom-designed, 15-storey vertical Hub at Hassall Street in the Parramatta CBD to house a joint undergraduate engineering program, as well as corporate offices, to be completed by 2021.
The Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, joined UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Jacobs, and Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover, to officially announce the partnership today.
An artist's impression of the engineering hub to be built in Hassall Street, Parramatta. Image: Charter Hall
Ms Berejiklian said the new Hub complemented the NSW government’s $26 billion investment in Western Sydney and aligned with the government’s objective of creating 200,000 innovation jobs in the new airport precinct at Badgerys Creek.
“Today is about two outstanding institutions, in collaboration with the private sector, staking a mark in the ground and saying, ‘We are coming together to propose a truly visionary concept’ – two great institutions promoting an engineering hub which will not only generate job growth in this community, but I believe provide the innovation which is desperately needed,” Ms Berejiklian said.
UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs noted the joint venture would create a new standard in engineering students.
“We are proud to partner with Western Sydney University to deliver a state-of-the-art facility for teaching, research and industry collaboration in the heart of Parramatta. We are aligned with Western Sydney University in our commitment to creating graduates with a global outlook who also have local links and connection to the community,” Professor Jacobs said.
Professor Glover noted the engineering degree would bring world-leading research and innovation to the region, providing critical support to the government’s ambitious job creation goal for western Sydney.
“Through this joint venture, Western Sydney University and UNSW will harness emerging technologies and opportunities at scale to deliver a highly progressive, industry engaged engineering course in Australia’s fastest growing region,” Professor Glover said.
The collaboration will also support UNSW’s 2025 strategy of leveraging engagement with government, industry and community to promote knowledge exchange for social progress and economic prosperity.