New Heights for UNO's City Campus

The University of Newcastle’s (UON) $95 million NeW Space facility in the heart of the CBD has reached an exciting landmark in its construction, with the official ‘topping out’ ceremony held on Wednesday 7 September.

‘Topping out’ celebrations occur when a construction project reaches the highest point in the build. Key UON, political and community leaders gathered on the roof of the NeW Space building to celebrate the milestone and the progress of the iconic project.

UON Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said the NeW Space topping out marked a significant point in the building’s construction, and the renewal of Newcastle’s CBD. “NeW Space is a transformational project for the University and our region. It will allow us to deliver start-of-the-art, technology-enhanced education, while supporting the city's cultural and economic renewal by building a dynamic CBD with innovation and entrepreneurship at its centre,” she said. NeW Space will contribute $1.3bn in economic benefits and employment opportunities to Newcastle and the Hunter, including almost $200 million to the regional economy during construction and a further $134 million annually flowing from the emergence of the CBD as a vibrant student hub. “With the Newcastle economy in transition, UON has a fundamental role in shaping the economic future of our city and our regions, as well as developing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.”

NeW Space will deliver new academic and research programs in business, law and emerging fields including creative industries, innovation and entrepreneurship, and will play an important role in connecting the University with business, industry and community partners in Newcastle and the Hunter.

NeW Space is scheduled to open in 2017, with students commencing study in Semester 2. The building will be occupied by a range of student support services, library, retail outlets and staff offices prior to the commencement of Semester 2, 2017.

NeW Space is supported by Australian Government funding of $30 million through the Education Investment Fund Regional Priorities Round, NSW Government funding of $25 million and an investment of $40 million from UON.