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New Place – New Space…the University of the Sunshine Coast’s experience in integrating a new campus with a rapidly developing region
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New Place – New Space…the University of the Sunshine Coast’s experience in integrating a new campus with a rapidly developing region

Greg J E Hill, Michael Hefferan and Pamela Wardner
Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) Pacific Regional Conference: Place Making: Strategic Identity + Creation, 2013 (Denver, United States, 24-Mar-2013–27-Mar-2013)
2013
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Abstract

Building Urban and Regional Planning University of the Sunshine Coast greenfield campus regional growth and change integration with community sustainability master planning
The generic roles of universities - teaching and learning, research, and engagement - are globally consistent; however, the way in which these tenets are applied and evolve, vary remarkably. The Sunshine Coast region in Queensland Australia is one of rapid growth where, in a single generation, population has increased a remarkable 25 times - now reaching over 300,000 with prospects of continuing to half a million or more by 2030. Not only has the scale of the region dramatically changed but its demographic, economic and community base has also rapidly evolved. It was in this dynamic environment that the University of the Sunshine Coast was established in 1996 with a growth path that has paralleled that of the wider region. From its establishment, the University committed itself to exemplify what it saw as the aspirations of this community, using its own programmes and facilities to provide leadership to the balance of the region. Its campus was established on a 100 hectare site some 6km from the coastal urban developed area. Whilst this relative remoteness caused some initial challenges, the campus and the range of uses located there represent a destination in its own right and an iconic feature of the entire region. This paper summarises the history and issues faced in the development this University and campus and how the consistent approach to its built form have proved successful in integrating the University with its wider community. Particular emphasis is placed on the regional community's commitment to the environment and sustainability, and the role of the University in providing leadership in this area.

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