UNSW Campus Development Plan
UNSW’s Campus Development Plan is a major refurbishment and renewal project that’s reshaping the University’s vital areas including learning, teaching and research environments as well as student accommodation. The project will improve campus accessibility and environmental sustainability, while providing dynamic spaces for partnerships and collaborations, and a vibrant campus life for students, staff and visitors.
Our vision for Kensington campus in 2040
UNSW’s vision for the Kensington campus in 2040 is a distinctive world-class campus featuring internationally recognised learning, teaching, research, community and collaboration facilities within a setting that celebrates the site’s location and character on Bidjigal land.
UNSW’s Indigenous commitment is to ensure our campuses are physically welcoming, culturally safe and reflective of Countries they are on. This commitment underpins how we design and deliver every space.
The Campus Development Plan aligns with the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, with the Strategic Principle of setting our next foundations and equipping UNSW for future generations. It also aligns with Pillar 5, creating vibrant, open, connected and accessible University environments that inspire our community.
A campus ready for the future
Our campuses are changing to meet the needs of future generations. Fuelled by current and future student growth and the return to campus post-pandemic, the University requires additional floor space to accommodate high-quality teaching, research and student life spaces. Some Kensington buildings are reaching end of life, and their refurbishment and renewal enable greater efficiencies through shared and upgraded spaces and new student-led facilities.
UNSW is also addressing the acute challenge of housing affordability through development of a Housing Strategy and expansion of current offerings. The University’s new flex-semester calendar, scheduled to be introduced in 2028, will support the growth of lifelong learning opportunities for our alumni among other learning cohorts.
Sustainability and accessibility
Sustainability is embedded across planning and delivery from building design and material selection to energy efficiency, biodiversity and waste reduction. The plan aligns with UNSW’s decarbonisation agenda and seeks to deliver measurable environmental benefits.
Accessibility and improved wayfinding are central to the design approach to ensure our campuses are welcoming and equitable for a diverse campus population including students, staff and visitors.
Connected to community
Better integration at the Kensington campus gateways will leverage recent investments in health and transport, enabling flow-on economic benefits that support local retail, community and other shared spaces. UNSW campuses will continue to be active urban anchors that support collaboration and public life.
Delivered in stages
The plan will be delivered in four stages through to 2040 to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to refurbishments, new buildings and infrastructure improvements across the University. Each stage has been designed to minimise disruption and enable a smooth transition to upgraded facilities. Some buildings will move through a staged renewal process, with occupants relocated to alternative spaces while improvements take place.
The first stage, already underway, includes a series of projects across our campuses.
The Campus Development Plan model is now on display in the UNSW Main Library. We encourage you to visit and see the vision for our Kensington campus as well as the projects already underway.
Together we are creating campuses that empower people and ideas to flourish. This long-term refurbishment and renewal reflect UNSW’s commitment to a welcoming, culturally safe and sustainable future.