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WSP to Shape Western Sydney’s Future as a World Class Innovation District

As part of a consortium led by Cox Architecture, WSP will help deliver a visionary masterplan for Westmead that will see the precinct developed into a world-class innovation district that is culturally diverse, productive, workable, liveable, accessible and uniquely Westmead.

Labelled as a ‘super’ precinct, Westmead covers more than 75 hectares and comprises 400,000 m2 of high-end health, research and education-related developments. Providing direct health services to almost 10 per cent of Australia’s population, Westmead has four major hospitals, three research institutes and two major university campuses.

 

With more than AUD3 billion committed by government, universities and the private sector, the precinct is set to have more than 26,000 staff and 10,000 students by 2026.

 

Led by Mr Niall Cunningham, WSP’s Director of Programme Delivery in ANZ, our project team will contribute to facilitating connections and collaboration between health, education, research, industry and the community.

 

“The increase in population density, along with Australia’s ageing population provides an opportunity to deliver an urban environment in Westmead that weaves advanced integrated transport systems with state-of-the art healthcare, research and education facilities,” says Mr Cunningham. “This will create social and economic benefits for communities in the west as well as across greater Sydney.”

 

The consortium will work closely with Western Sydney Local Health District, the University of Sydney and the City of Parammatta Council, in conjunction with the Westmead Alliance, as well as a range of government and industry stakeholders to deliver the framework masterplan for a global exemplar innovation district for Westmead.

 

“We are delighted to be involved in delivering the masterplan for one of the biggest city-shaping precincts in Australia,” adds Mr Cunningham. “Our aim is to bring a future-focused outlook to creating a masterplan that attracts, engages and stimulates local and international talent.

 

In collaboration with our consortium partners, we will leverage some of the most advanced transport, infrastructure and sustainability initiatives to provide valuable outcomes.”

 

In a recent media release, Lucy Turnbull AO, Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, said, "I'd like to commend the Westmead precinct partners for their innovative approach to masterplanning.

 

“It was only 40 or so years ago, that Westmead Hospital was opened on a former racecourse. Today it is Australia’s largest health and education super precinct, an integral part of the Commission's vision for Greater Parramatta and the Olympic Peninsula (GPOP) – the geographic heart and true centre of Greater Sydney.”

 

In welcoming the announcement of the newly formed consortium, Mr Danny O’Connor, Chief Executive of the Western Sydney Local Health District, said, “Cox and their consortium partners will help us as we weave Westmead’s culture of collaboration and innovation into urban design."