University of Sydney doubtful over ‘tech central’ at North Eveleigh development

By AMBER GRIFFIN

The University of Sydney’s Vice Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott has submitted a letter to the state government over a development proposal in Redfern and North Eveleigh, questioning its contribution to Sydney’s new ‘tech central’ game plan.

The institution is sceptical that the development will have a genuine impact on jobs, economic growth and amenities in the area, as the government is claiming. The government is branding ‘Tech Central’, an overhaul of developments throughout Eveleigh, Redfern and Ultimo, as “Australia’s innovative engine”.

“Three world-class universities. A world-leading research hospital. Over 100 research institutes and centres of excellence” Tech Central’s website reads.

However, Sydney University, the oldest and most prestigious university within tech central’s borders, is calling into question the efficacy of the ‘Paint Shop’ section of the developments.

Letter highlights multiple concerns

Professor Mark Scott, the letter is addressed to Transport for NSW Secretary, Rob Sharp, and Department of Planning and Environment Secretary, Michael Cassel.

The 55-page letter highlights all of the University’s concerns and recommendations for the proposal.

The proposed rezoning of the Paint Shop Sub-Precinct features a redevelopment of the area into a ‘Tech Central’ on hectares of public railway land between the Carriageworks and Redfern Station.

The University of Sydney views the North Eveleigh Precinct as a “key element in the transformation of the city through the successful creation of the Tech Central Precinct”.  

However, they hold concern that the rezoning proposal does not fully appreciate the broader strategic context of the entire Tech Central concept.

“In its current form it will fail to optimise the social, cultural, economic, and environmental outcomes at local, precinct and state levels” Scott stated in the letter. 

The University believes that if the rezoning plans go ahead without reconsideration or amendments, the entire ‘Tech Central’ concept that the developers aim to create will be entirely compromised. 

Professor Mark Scott stated in the letter of opposition that without collaborative curation of the uses, and the focus of the industries that will ultimately tenant the facility, “It is likely that the entire Tech Central concept and outcome will be compromised, negatively impacting the jobs, amenity, economic growth and state development opportunity that the broader NSW Government is working to deliver.” 

A University of Sydney spokesperson told City Hub “for the precinct to achieve its bold aspirations – in terms of job creation, economic growth, industry and research collaboration and more – we believe a rethink is required around transport, land use planning, funding and investment”.

“Our recommendations include developing and curating the land at North Eveleigh (East) as an international standard, Bio-Medical and Engineering Innovation Precinct. For North Eveleigh (West), we would like to see the land remain residential, as is currently envisaged by UrbanGrowth NSW, but with a stronger emphasis on affordable housing focused on key workers, knowledge workers, and student accommodation” the spokesperson said.

The University of Sydney has a strong history and committed roots in the Eveleigh community. In Appendix A, the letter states “We provide ready-made foundations for Tech Central to leverage, and the University is determined to offer the strength of our built and intellectual assets to make Tech Central the best it can be.”  

As a member of the Tech Central Alliance, the University of Sydney have also worked hard for four years to support the NSW Government’s objectives for the Tech Central precinct.

“With our Alliance colleagues, we have represented for some time that a gap exists in the capability required to reach ultimate success in the potential of Tech Central.” 

In the letter, the University acknowledged that success can only be realised if the North Eveleigh site is enabled to take on the heavy lifting to support industry and research collaboration in creative tech, and deep-tech specialisations such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and aerospace. 

“We support the NSW Government’s objectives for the Tech Central Precinct at Eveleigh, where we have a strong history and committed roots in the local community,” the University of Sydney spokesperson said.

University of Sydney calls for public consultation extension 

The public consultation period for the rezoning proposal ended on August 25th, with the Department of Planning and Environment currently reviewing submissions and evaluating the proposal.

The University of Sydney is calling for the public consultation period to be extended in order for Transport for NSW to “fully engage with and respond to the submissions and conversations the University has had with the NSW Government regarding the North Eveleigh Precinct”. 

“It would be a lost opportunity if adequate time was not made available to properly consult, discuss, and engage with the Tech Central Alliance on the Paint Shop Sub-Precinct Rezoning Proposal” Scott said.