Southern Cross unveils bold campus vision

The new Master Plan sets out a dramatic rethinking of the 75-hectare campus to be known as the Southern Cross Learning Precinct or Gnibi Wandarahn in the local Bundjalung language.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the Master Plan sets a pioneering model for regional university towns.

“We have set out to create a vision for a dynamic, multi-faceted hub of research, innovation and community partnerships that will change the way the region interacts with the University forever,” he said.

Education and the student experience remain central to the new Learning Precinct while the other two pillars of the Master Plan are research with impact and engaged communities and partners. The three areas interconnect to envision a new focal point for the region.

Some of the proposed elements of the Master Plan include:

• Campus to operate a zero-carbon economy: net zero by 2035
• Multiple tenants remain: Trinity Catholic College expanded; The Living School relocated and expanded; provision for future expansion
• New student accommodation
• New synthetic athletics track and sports precinct
• Potential art and history collection provision
• New outdoor amphitheatre for cultural and music performances
• Green spaces and natural waterways embraced
• Goodman Plaza redeveloped
• Bundjalung Place and SCU Hub as public spaces

“The Master Plan is not a fixed plan but rather a strategic framework that will help us create a place of excellence,” Professor Carlin said.

“The vision will deliver state-of-the-art facilities for research and learning, enterprise zones for regional development, and support the inclusion of vibrant public spaces promoting inclusivity and cultural richness.”

The Master Plan sets the future direction for the University and its partners. It was developed in conjunction with Terroir (Australia and Denmark) alongside Northern Rivers firm Possible Studio.

The realisation of the plan will take several years and will form a basis for investment planning and frameworks, including those involving government funding and participation.

Learn more at www.scu.edu.au/masterplan