• Joint Regional Planning Panel approves Stage Two development at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie
• Project will increase student capacity at campus from 1000 to around 2800

The $61 million Stage Two development at Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) in Port Macquarie is a step closer to fruition after the project’s second phase was granted approval by the Joint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP).

The independent panel, which rules on regionally significant development applications and other planning matters, met on Wednesday morning and approved the Stage 2B Development Application (DA) in line with the conditions recommended by Port Macquarie Hastings Council and agreed to by Charles Sturt.

Stage 2A commenced in 2019 and is due for completion in June 2020. Stage 2B will now commence and is scheduled for completion in February 2021.

Executive Director of Charles Sturt’s Division of Facilities Management Mr Stephen Butt said DA approval is a major and critical milestone for the project.

“There is a significant amount of detailed planning and investigation which goes into these submissions, and we are glad that we have met all the required planning hurdles,” Mr Butt said.

“Charles Sturt University will continue to work with its partners and stakeholders to ensure Stage Two addresses the needs of the Port Macquarie community and the environment, as well as the University.

“The next step in the process is to appoint a builder, and very soon we will be able to begin civil work on-site. It is a very active site and we are keen to maintain and grow this momentum.”

The Stage Two development flows from the existing campus via a linkway across the adjacent reserve, and is intended to be used by students, staff, and the wider community.

When completed it will include additional learning and teaching spaces (both flat-floored and tiered), a laboratory, breakout and meeting spaces, student kitchens and facilities, a space for small events, and additional car parking.

Stage 2B of the project has been awarded NSW Government funding of $15 million as part of the Regional Growth Fund’s Growing Local Economies program, which was established under the Restart NSW Fund. This contribution is supporting the $46 million investment by the University.

When completed and online, the development will enable Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie to accommodate 2800 students, a significant increase from its current capacity of 1000.

Among them will be Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie’s first cohort of approximately 60 Bachelor of Nursing students in March 2020, after the course was officially launched at the campus on Thursday 28 November.