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Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 11 September 2009 APPROVAL OF $1.7 BILLION REDEVELOPMENT AT MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY SUPPORTS 4,000 NEW JOBS Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today announced the Government had approved a concept plan for Macquarie University’s $1.7 billion commercial and education hub. Ms Keneally said the planning approval will support up to 4,000 new jobs and create a vibrant educational and commercial hub in the growing Macquarie University campus. “Macquarie University’s plan to redevelop 126 hectares at their Ryde campus brings together the best there is to offer in academic and commercial opportunities,” Ms Keneally said. “There is an additional 400,000 square metres of commercial building space and an additional 61,200 square metres of academic space proposed in the plan. “Additional student accommodation for 3,450 students is also proposed which will bring the total number of students living on the campus to 5,000 once completed. “The concept plan proposes new commercial and academic buildings that will be built close to the new Macquarie University train station taking advantage of the easy to use Epping to Chatswood rail link. “The Epping to Chatswood rail link is already carrying over 10,000 people everyday and will continue to provide high quality public transport to the growing campus.” Ms Keneally said Macquarie Park is identified as a key area in the Metropolitan Strategy. “Providing more employment, educational, retail and commercial opportunities at the University reaffirms Sydney as the premier city for investment and education,” Ms Keneally said. “This project will support the Government’s plan to expand a major economic corridor which starts at Macquarie Park and runs through Sydney and North Sydney CBDs, Green Square and Sydney Airport. “Macquarie University is a world class education facility with a proven record of investing in first class projects. “In January this year the NSW Government approved the Cochlear Limited headquarters at Macquarie University with up to 350 construction jobs. “This is yet another example of how the NSW planning system is facilitating investment and supporting jobs.” Ms Keneally said before any construction could occur future project applications would need to be lodged by the University. Vice Chancellor of Macquarie University Professor Schwartz said he was delighted that the NSW Government had declared Macquarie University a Site of State Significance. “Macquarie is well on its way to reaching its goal of becoming one of Australia’s top research universities,” Professor Schwartz said. “We can now move forward with even more confidence as we plan for the future and with our University Concept Plan, Macquarie will attract more industry partners. “Today’s decision can only help us to provide our students with the best opportunities to fulfill their potential.”
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