WED 09 JUN 21
Mixed-use vertical campuses with solid green credentials are gaining popularity in the tertiary sector as a wave of new developments strive to deliver “higher learning”.
Universities and schools, typically horizontal organisations of purpose-built structures connected by quadrangles and courtyards, are increasingly difficult to develop as cities become denser.
Unlike commercial office projects, which are predominantly based on core-and-shell developments with tenant build-outs, vertical campuses are purpose-built structures adapting to multifunctional programs and layouts for differing academic disciplines.
Edith Cowan University, Perth
The vertical Edith Cowan University campus will be built in Perth CBD as part of a $1.5-billion City Deal
The cornerstone of the joint-government deal will see the ECU City Campus built opposite Yagan Square adjoining Perth Railway Station.
The new campus adds to a suite of economic stimulus in central Perth, including $360 million for Curtin University to build a new precinct and
Murdoch University to also build a vertical campus and e-sports stadium.
The ECU City Campus is expected to attract more than 10,000 people and will become the university’s creative industries, business and technology precinct. The campus is set to open in early 2025.
There is also a major performing arts centre set to provide space for more than 300 public performances, attracting 100,000 visitors annually.
As part of the deal, the university will vacate one of its other inner city campuses to make way for the extension of Mount Lawley Senior High School which will be redeveloped by the state government.
The university will contribute $300 million to the project, while the federal government will contribute $245 million as part of the Perth City Deal, and the state government will provide in-kind support through the provision of land.
https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/vertical-campus-development-australia