The University of Adelaide has unveiled a new 20-year masterplan designed by FJMT.
The masterplan outlines an aspirational vision for the development of the three of university’s campuses – North Terrace (in Adelaide CBD), Waite (six kilometres south-east of the CBD) and Roseworthy (55 kilometres north of the CBD).
The masterplan for the North Terrace campus will take advantage of the proposed $55 million East End trams extension and the university hopes a new tram stop will be built near the proposed new buildings.
The North Terrace campus masterplan is aimed at creating a strong identity for the university. A new entrance building at the North Terrace campus has been proposed at the north side of the North Terrace and Pulteney Street intersection and adjacent to the existing Bonyton Hall. It will house ceremonial and conference facilities as well as a new arts precinct with music, creative arts and lounge spaces, accessible to the wider community.
University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus masterplan by FJMT.
“It would provide a new contemporary gateway to the university,” said Professor Warren Bebbington, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide.
FJMT said, “In a globalized tertiary market, address and identity becomes increasingly important to set institutions apart, enhance their presence and image, and also provide legible and welcoming ‘front doors.’”
On the south side of North Terrace, a new 24-storey tower has been proposed to accommodate the business, law and economics schools.
The existing Schulz building, at the western edge of the campus, will be adaptively reused as an on-campus residential college.
The North Terrace campus masterplan will also prioritize pedestrian and cyclist movements over motor vehicles. “The periphery of the campus will be enhanced by the improved address and greater connection with its surrounds, offering permeable boundaries leading into and through the campus,” said FJMT. “The strong north–south connection between the city and river will be enhanced by improved pedestrian paths.”
The Waite campus masterplan will unify the heritage assets of the university with its industry partnership sites. A new building – described as a “centre of gravity” – will be created at the heart of the campus at the intersection of two primary avenues. A new ring road around the periphery of the campus will separate vehicular and pedestrian movement.
The Roseworthy campus masterplan will create “a rural oasis within a dry setting.” An outdoor hub will be created at the end of two primary pedestrian axes.
The University of Adelaide’s 20-year masterplan is yet to be funded. “The next step is to develop comprehensive feasibility studies and business cases for the lead projects to see if it can be financially possible,” Bebbington said.
