5-star collaboration helps to unlock Newcastle’s CBD revitalisation
The University of Newcastle’s NeW Space education precinct has shaped the future regeneration of Newcastle. As a catalyst for revitalisation and for enabling future investment in tertiary education, NeW Space anchors the bustling business district of the city.
With its main campus located at Callaghan, this inner-city location – close to the new law courts and key industry partners – is the site for the Faculty of Business and Law and the School of Creative Industries.
The University’s commitment to expanding its inner city education precinct also supports the New South Wales State Government and the City of Newcastle in their aspirations to revitalise the city centre and forging Newcastle’s reputation as a desirable place to live, work and play.
The new facility was designed and built with collaboration, connectivity and sustainability front of mind and has shaped the way teaching and learning opportunities are delivered. The building’s audio-visual (AV) systems have been designed to foster formal and informal group collaboration, while supporting remote and interactive teaching and learning opportunities.
NeW Space houses digital library services, shared learning and research spaces, and provides students and academics with the facilities to engage with industry, business and the broader Newcastle community, who are invited into the lower levels and surrounding outdoor spaces.
Collaboration at the core
Key to the successful delivery of the project is the partnership between the University, project manager APP, head contractor Hansen Yuncken, Lyons Architects, EJE Architecture and AECOM, who provided mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, AV and telecommunications services, as well as specialist acoustics, fire engineering and Environmentally Sustainable Design consultancy. Unique to this project, Lyons, the lead architect from Melbourne, partnered with prominent local Newcastle architect EJE Architecture collaborating on a unique design partnership. Additionally AECOM’s Newcastle and Melbourne offices worked collaboratively from the inception of the project to deliver the services components.
“The presence of AECOM in both cities, together with our long standing relationships with Lyons, APP, EJE and the University itself was key to a successful design. The flow of information and collaboration throughout the process was outstanding and demonstrated how best practice from across state and even national boundaries can be accessed to deliver iconic, world class buildings for Newcastle.”
Ian Richardson, Hunter Area Manager, AECOM
Green gains for the city
NeW Space has achieved a 5 star Green Star Design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), the first building in Newcastle and the Hunter region to do so. To obtain the rating, AECOM’s sustainability consultants worked closely with the design team and client throughout the process. The design had to incorporate a number of sustainability measures to meet classification requirements and ultimately, future-proof the building. Construction materials from sustainable sources were chosen to reduce environmental impact; water fixtures and the collection and repurposing of storm and waste water were taken into account; while passive design initiatives such as access to natural light, energy efficient luminaries and daylight sensor control ensure an increase in energy efficiency. Even transport options were considered with sustainability in focus. With the input of traffic engineers, a bicycle hub with end-of-trip facilities has been designed to provide a sustainable transport alternative to campus users – providing showers, lockers and secure storage for 220 cycles.
“The design features high quality technology enabled solutions that reflect the design team’s approach to create a space that is adaptable, efficient, reliable and maintainable. Staff, teachers and students have access to a bold, modern education facility that caters for their evolving needs and mirrors the University’s aspirations.”
Will Gibbs, Project Manager, AECOM