Southern Cross University has revealed a bold, new vision for its Lismore campus, describing it as a “pioneering model” for regional university towns.
The Master Plan for the 75-hectare campus in the northern NSW city outlines a multi-faceted hub of research, innovation and community partnerships.
It will be known as the Southern Cross Learning Precinct or Gnibi Wandarahn in the local Bundjalung language.
Southern Cross Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said the re-imagined facility would change forever the way the region interacted with the university campus.
“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. It will set a pioneering model for regional university towns.”
Components of the Master Plan will include the following.
- The campus will operate as a zero-carbon economy, and aim to be net zero by 2035.
- Multiple tenants will remain, with the Trinity Catholic College expanded from its current site.
- The Living School, also on campus since April 2022, will be relocated and expanded.
- New student accommodation will be built.
- There will be a new synthetic athletics track and sports precinct.
- Provision has been made for a potential art and history collection.
- An outdoor amphitheatre for cultural and music performances will be created.
- Green spaces and natural waterways will be embraced.
Professor Carlin said traditionally the Lismore site had been regarded as “very much a university campus”.
“Going forward, as we realise the ambitious plan embodied in this master plan and we transform this place into the Southern Cross Learning Precinct, what we’re going to find is that it’s a very, very different place,” he said.
“It’s a place that draws the community in to a greater extent than ever. It embeds schools, further education at the post-secondary level, health, business, and generally just enlivens a massive asset for our community.”
Professor Carlin said the new learning precinct would have a strong sense of “home”, for students and the broader university and local community.
“We want to join our community and bring elements together that have never been brought together before, to do something that is unique on the national stage, but also of very high quality,” he said.
“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.”
Under the plan, 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”.
The plan was developed in conjunction with Terroir (Australia and Denmark) and Northern Rivers firm Possible Studio.
It will take several years to implement and will form a basis for investment planning and frameworks, including those involving government funding and participation.
More details at the Southern Cross University website.
