Millions of dollars will be further invested by Charles Sturt University (CSU) into the NSW Mid North Coast as it reveals plans for the second stage of construction of its newest campus at Port Macquarie.

Key points

• - CSU in Port Macquarie set to expand with an investment of millions of dollars into next stage of campus development
• - Four new courses to start in 2018
• - New 250-bed student residential accommodation on target for 2018
• - Community input key part of development in partnership with Port Macquarie Hastings Council’s Urban Growth Management Strategy.

With a budget of over $49 million, stage two of the development of CSU in Port Macquarie will include extra teaching and learning spaces; laboratories, staff accommodation, student spaces for recreation and expansion of the learning commons for individual study and group work; and a new 150-space car park.

Head of Campus at CSU in Port Macquarie Professor Heather Cavanagh said, “The vision is for the first stage of the campus to flow into stage two and they will be joined by a sheltered link way interspersed with courtyards and active outdoor spaces for students to enjoy.

“The learning commons for students will remain at the heart of the campus in its original position but expanded to cater for the growing student load.

“We are also looking at the possibilities of an art gallery, allied health clinic and innovation hub, and, although not funded at this stage, these would enhance the local community’s engagement in the campus.”

Numerous consultations on what’s needed in stage two and beyond were held in Port Macquarie between May and September this year.

Professor Cavanagh said, “Key planning briefings on the next stage of campus development will be held next week between representatives of the University and Port Macquarie Hastings Council with detailed designs due for completion by May 2018.

“We hope early construction work will start on site by mid-2018 and construction will be completed by the end of 2019 for occupation by the start of 2020.”

Students will move into the new 250-bed residential accommodation including individual rooms with ensuite bathrooms and communal living spaces in February 2018.

CSU is introducing four new courses at Port Macquarie in 2018 to bring to 22 the number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered on the campus. The new courses are: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy; Master of Customs Administration; Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management; and Bachelor of Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage).

Professor Cavanagh said, “Charles Sturt University is also exploring the possibility of offering nursing in 2019.

“As an organisation investing in the economic and social development of the Mid North Coast, we are continually monitoring the skills which are needed.

“It’s an exciting time for Charles Sturt University as we embark on the next stage of development at Port Macquarie. What we have developed and are developing are new purpose-built facilities to offer a real campus experience for our students at the same time as expanding the higher education opportunities for the Mid North Coast and beyond,” Professor Cavanagh said.