UTS Unveils Plans For New Tower With A Twist

A proposal by the University of Technology Sydney to replace the existing Building 2 at UTS’ campus in Ultimo has gone on exhibition for community consultation.

Building 2 is located on the corner of Broadway and Jones Street, next to the UTS Tower Building and is widely regarded as one of the ugliest in Sydney, possibly the world.

Under the proposal UTS will construct a new 15 storey building and demolish the existing building, add four storeys to the podium of the Tower Building, along Broadway, to join the buildings together and make changes to the landscaping and public domain, including an outdoor terrace on level 8 and a rooftop garden.

The proposal envisages a 16-level building with a distinctive ‘twist’ and a tri-level, glass-fronted scholarly reading room overlooking Alumni Green.

Patrick Woods, UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources) told The Daily Telegraph the “transparent veil” would pair with the similarly reflective Central Park building on Broadway to form a Western gateway to the city.

“Given the landholding, we have the obvious responsibility to develop something that is respectful of its surrounds as well as iconic in nature,” Mr Woods said.

The development, which is part of the $1 billion Campus Master Plan — a “dramatic reinterpretation” of the Broadway campus — includes an outdoor terrace on level eight, a rooftop garden and the creation of a state-of-the-art library facility and learning commons.

A spokesperson for the Department of Planning and Environment said the local community would have an opportunity to provide feedback.

“Community consultation is an integral part of the planning process and the applicant will have to respond to the feedback we receive,” the spokesperson said.

“This feedback is taken into consideration when we develop our recommendations.

“It’s easy to participate by going online and we encourage everyone to take a look and have their say.”

Photo Credit: Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp