City leaders welcome DA for Honeysuckle University of Newcastle City Campus Development

The bright future of Newcastle as a city renowned for its education, innovation and research moved forward on 14 June, with the lodging of a development application (DA) for the University of Newcastle’s Honeysuckle City Campus Development.

Supporting the vision, Hunter Development Corporation (HDC) and Newcastle City Council  welcomed the news, reinforcing that the university is an essential component of the city’s sustained revitalisation.

“Newcastle City Council has long supported the expansion of the university into the city centre,” said Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

“As the first stage of development, the co-location of the Hunter Innovation Partnership’s (HIP) Innovation Hub and the University’s School of Creatives Industries will be a welcome addition to the existing university fabric in the city.

“Council has financially supported the HIP, and so we are thrilled to see one of its key initiatives, the Innovation Hub, incorporated into a fantastic new precinct that will foster exciting initiatives and innovations that this region can benefit from.”

University of Newcastle Chief Operating Officer Nat McGregor said the DA was an important step towards achieving the University's long-term vision to grow, develop knowledge and be a driver of an innovative regional economy.

“The Honeysuckle City Campus Development is an integral part of the University's NeW Futures Strategic Plan 2016-2025.

“It provides the University with a great opportunity to extend on the success of NeW Space campus, which is a powerful indication of what can happen when a collective ambition exists to revitalise the city.”

HDC Chief Executive Michael Cassel welcomed the DA as an important part of government’s city renewal works.

“The university’s further expansion in the city is one of the most significant wins we have had in the Revitalising Newcastle program.

“Throughout the development, the Honeysuckle City Campus will create more jobs, and bring more University staff and students into the city centre. This activity will also help drive a much-needed night-time economy.

“This development will also further diversify our region’s economy and the industries that underpin the city’s long-term prosperity and growth.”

The extension of the university is possible through an agreement between HDC and the University of Newcastle that was announced by the NSW Premier in late 2016.