UNSW Canberra City given the green light

UNSW Canberra will build a world-class research, education and innovation campus in the heart of Canberra city following approval from the ACT Government.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr today made the announcement that the land on Constitution Avenue in the city’s east will be home to the new campus as well as a new Defence and Security Innovation Precinct.

UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs said the initiative will strengthen Canberra’s reputation as a knowledge and innovation hub, as well as boost the city’s economy and employment.

“UNSW has a 50-year history of delivering outstanding education and research in Canberra. This new campus will enable us to take the scale and quality of our involvement in Canberra to a new level. It is an exciting time for UNSW and for the national capital, as its tertiary education credentials are further enhanced,” he said. 

“I thank the Chief Minister and the ACT Government for allowing UNSW an even greater role in the future of the city.”

UNSW Canberra Rector Professor Michael Frater said the new Canberra City campus will provide the opportunity to expand on the courses currently offered at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

UNSW Canberra City will be built in stages to accommodate future growth and is located in the middle of Canberra’s research and innovation corridor, situated with other like-minded institutions such as the Defence and Intelligence Headquarters in Russell.

“The campus is an ideal location for universities, industry and government to collaborate, discover and drive global change,” Professor Frater said.

“UNSW Canberra City will also be home to a new Defence and Security Innovation Precinct.The dedicated innovation precinct will allow academics, companies, government bodies and community to come together to develop defence and security capability, talent and technology.”

UNSW Canberra is committed to working with all stakeholders including the ACT Government, National Capital Authority, CIT, and local residents. Today also marks the launch of the community consultation program inviting early input into the development of the master plan for the campus.

Complementing existing academic courses and research at the ADFA campus, UNSW Canberra City advances the University’s place in the nation’s capital, reinforcing its commitment to the region.  

“Today marks the beginning of the next phase of the UNSW Canberra story and we look forward to work getting underway on the development of UNSW Canberra City,” Professor Frater said.

The community is invited to contribute to the master planning phase and can find out more at www.canberra.unsw.edu.au.