Knowledge city: UWS to set up campus in the heart of Parramatta CBD

The University of Western Sydney is open for business, with news that it is to establish a new campus in the Parramatta central business district (CBD) from next year – further strengthening connections with businesses in Parramatta and helping the University to develop even more 'career-ready' graduates.

The UWS Parramatta City Campus, which will be located at 100 George Street, will provide a dynamic and student-centred location in the heart of bustling Parramatta – the sixth largest CBD in Australia.

All of the University's postgraduate business programs will be moving to the Parramatta City Campus, placing them alongside many of Parramatta's leading businesses and law firms. 

Other programs to be taught at the Parramatta City Campus from 2014 include law, social sciences and psychology, humanities and communication arts, and computing, engineering and mathematics.

Professor Kerri-Lee Krause, UWS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), says the University is excited at the prospect of developing a campus for its students in one of Sydney's most dynamic, fastest-growing and diverse business districts.

"The move strengthens UWS's reputation as a leading university for the Parramatta and the Greater Western Sydney Region – a university that has been opening up higher education opportunities for the people of western Sydney for the past 25 years," says Professor Krause.

"The Parramatta City Campus is part of the University's long-term strategy to provide more flexible opportunities for study at UWS, as well as offering more business and community-based learning for students, enhancing our already strong relationships with the communities of Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney."

The announcement of the UWS Parramatta City Campus has been welcomed by Parramatta City Council and by the local business community, including the Western Sydney Business Chamber.

Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Councillor John Chedid says: "The establishment of a state-of-the-art UWS City Campus is the highly anticipated next step on Parramatta's journey towards becoming the Region's 'knowledge city'. This will consolidate Parramatta's position as a centre of excellence in research, education and enterprise. Council warmly welcomes UWS to the heart of the 'future generation' city."

Professor Krause says the Parramatta City Campus is just one part of a strategic partnership with Parramatta City Council and the University is very happy to have the strong support of both the Council and Business Chamber.

"The University has a strong relationship with Parramatta City Council, as well as close partnerships with many of the businesses, law firms and government departments based in Parramatta, so establishing a campus in the heart of the city was a natural fit for us," says Professor Krause.

"This campus will be a great opportunity for on-the-go business professionals who may be expanding their qualifications through a postgraduate degree. Being based at the Parramatta City Campus will bring benefits of being co-located with leading businesses, along with close proximity to public transport links and other amenities to fit in with their busy lives.

"It will also give the local community greater access to the University of Western Sydney, and its educational, research and consulting services."

Since opening in 1998, the Parramatta campus in Rydalmere has long been designated as one of the key centres of student growth for UWS. Beginning with just 5000 students, it is now home to approximately 14,000 students and over 350 staff.

"We expect our Parramatta student numbers to grow to over 20,000 in the coming years, so the new Parramatta City location is set to become an important extension of our existing campus, offering more flexible learning options and providing more students from across the Greater Western Sydney region the opportunity to study at university," says Professor Krause.

The building in George Street will provide 2500sqm of floor space over four levels for teaching, as well as providing quiet study areas and technology-enhanced learning spaces, Wifi access, meeting rooms and staff office space, plus an indoor/outdoor area on the ground floor. Essential UWS services will be available onsite.

The new site is close to important amenities, including the Parramatta Transport Interchange, retail and food outlets, and civic recreation areas.

Ends

5 December 2013

Contact: Amanda Whibley, Manager Media and Public Relations

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