The University of Sydney has submitted a State Significant Development (SSD) application (SSD-57838709) for the construction of the Ross Street Teaching and Learning Hub at its Camperdown campus. The project aims to provide additional teaching and learning spaces while making modifications to the public domain at a key campus entrance. The proposal is currently on public exhibition until 7 April 2025 for community and stakeholder feedback.
Project Overview
The Ross Street Teaching and Learning Hub is proposed as a five-storey building with a gross floor area (GFA) of 6,913m². The facility is intended to provide general teaching spaces for all faculties and will include formal and informal learning areas.
The site is located on the south-eastern corner of Parramatta Road and Western Avenue (Ross Street), Camperdown, within the University’s Camperdown campus. The development involves demolition of existing structures, including demountable buildings that were previously used for storage.
Key features of the project include:
- teaching and learning spaces across five levels
- a student commons area, food and beverage outlets, and meeting rooms on the ground floor
- public domain modifications, including a new plaza, additional seating, and pedestrian pathway improvements
- adjustments to heritage elements, including the relocation of stone gates along Western Avenue
- removal of 22 trees, with new plantings and landscaping proposed
- traffic and pedestrian improvements, including wider footpaths and safer crossings
Site Context and Strategic Justification
The University of Sydney has identified a shortfall of teaching spaces as part of its 2032 Strategy. The new building is proposed to address this need and align with contemporary learning methodologies that emphasise active and collaborative education.
The development is also located within the Camperdown-Ultimo Health and Education Precinct, a key focus area for the NSW Government’s Innovation Corridor. The site is adjacent to major transport routes, including bus services along Parramatta Road, and is positioned at a high-profile entry point to the campus.
Design and Environmental Considerations
Built Form and Heritage
The proposed building sits within the approved building envelope established under the Stage 1 Campus Improvement Program (SSD 6123). The design includes setbacks and open spaces to integrate with the surrounding university landscape.
The development requires modifications to heritage-listed elements, including the relocation of stone gates and removal of sections of the perimeter fence along Parramatta Road. Heritage assessments indicate that these changes will be managed through conservation measures.
Architectural Impression by BVN
Vegetation and Landscaping
The project includes the removal of 22 trees within the site boundary. New plantings and landscaping are proposed, but the overall impact on tree canopy cover has been assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Statement.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
The building is targeting a 5-Star Green Star Building v1 rating and includes measures such as:
- high-performance facades and shading to reduce energy consumption
- water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) measures, including rainwater harvesting
- low-carbon material selection and waste reduction strategies
Transport and Accessibility
The project does not include additional parking, with an emphasis on public and active transport options. The development incorporates:
- enhanced pedestrian pathways and crossings
- improved cyclist infrastructure, including a bike lane and additional racks
- a new pick-up/drop-off area on Western Avenue for the university shuttle bus and ride-share vehicles
Flooding and Water Management
The site is within the Johnstons Creek catchment area, with flood planning measures incorporated into the design. Flood mitigation strategies include adjustments to water flow into University Oval 2 to manage stormwater retention.
Noise and Vibration
The primary environmental noise source at the site is traffic along Parramatta Road. Acoustic assessments indicate that building design measures will be implemented to maintain suitable internal noise levels.
During construction, a Noise and Vibration Management Plan (CNVMP) will be in place to minimise disruption to campus activities.
Construction and Economic Impact
- The estimated development cost is $70.2 million (excluding GST)【7】
- The project is expected to create approximately 93 full-time equivalent (FTE) construction jobs annually
- Construction will be coordinated with broader campus upgrades, including the realignment of Science Road, which is part of a separate approval process
Project Team
The following organisations are involved in the project:
- Developer: University of Sydney
- Urban Planning Consultant: MG Planning (Author of the Environmental Impact Statement)
- Architect: BVN Architecture
- Environmental and Heritage Consultant: Various specialists engaged through the EIS process
- Engineering Consultants: Multiple disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and water management experts
- Quantity Surveyor: WT Partnership (Prepared the Estimated Development Cost report)
Public Exhibition and Next Steps
The Ross Street Teaching and Learning Hub SSD application is open for public comment until 7 April 2025. The community, stakeholders, and interested parties can review the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and submit feedback via the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure website.
Once the exhibition period concludes, the application will undergo further assessment before a final determination is made.
For more details, search application number SSD-57838709 on the City of Sydney Council’s website.
