UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Health & Well Being Precinct Vision
“To add a new dimension to the traditional concept of a University Campus by adding residential senior’s living, that will allow it to transition to a truly intergenerational mixed-use, living, learning and research community that enhances the lifestyle and physical and mental health of all its occupants.”
CHALLENGE
In March 2018 a competition tender was prepared and Six Degrees Urban Masterplan was shortlisted for further testing and refinement. The key attributes, qualities and structuring elements of the scheme included.
SOLUTION
The Main Street model is therefore ideal for this campus, and will bring the residents, workers and visitors of the new Health and Wellbeing precinct together with the students, lecturers, researchers and visitors to the existing and expanding facilities on the innovation campus.
City as ecosystem Sense of urban place green blue network.
Commercial core residential periphery.
Open up towards western industrial part (future expansion).
A healthy heart Connect the precinct to the botanic garden.
Physics gardens at the centre, accessible to everyone.
Mix of basement, at grade and skinned podium parking.
SOLUTION
The wellbeing precinct has the potential to transform the entire campus, creating a health led genuine mixed-use urban environment where efficiency, performance and innovation can continue to grow, together with an enhanced neighbourhood. This neighbourhood is to deliver a new dynamic and connected place for the whole community to enjoy.
INSIGHTS
Connections to the local and wider area will also be critical to the success of this precinct. Pedestrian and cycling paths will be prioritised to connect to North Wollongong Station and beyond to the City Centre/CBD. Stuart Park is a pleasant stroll from the campus, as are the beautiful beaches of North Wollongong and Fairy Meadow. Connections will be improved between the campus and the adjacent light industrial area, which is a significant opportunity for industry/ research collaborations right on the doorstep of the Campus. The Health and Wellbeing Precinct, as part of the Wollongong University Innovation Campus is within a two kilometre radius of the CBD, the Main University Campus and the primary Medical Precinct around Wollongong Hospital. The proximity to all these key areas reinforces the opportunity that improving connections and creating a vibrant, active heart of the Innovation Campus presents.