Charles Sturt University to open its first metro Sydney campus
One of Australia’s top regional universities, Charles Sturt University, has signed up for its first Sydney metro campus, with another campus to open in Melbourne next year.
With its main campuses in Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Albury-Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie, the university’s signing of a 10-year lease in North Sydney and plans to open in Melbourne’s CBD will add a whole new tier to its operations.
The North Sydney building, at 77 Berry Street and neighbouring 1 Denison, was bought by the Winten Property Group in 2016 and extensively refurbished.
“77 Berry was used as a staging platform to service tenants’ area requirements prior to the completion of its state-of-the-art 1 Denison, a premium grade commercial building,” said Stuart Vaughan, Winten’s chief operating officer.
“The building has been fully refurbished to meet Charles Sturt University’s requirements.”
The deal – for six floors of the 5738-square-metre building adjoining Berry Square – was brokered by CBRE and global education provider Navitas, which connects students, agents, universities, and industry.
CBRE director Michael Darcy, head of north shore office leasing, said it was a perfect site for the university. “Winten carried out significant work on the asset and Berry Square prior to Navitas’s initial inspection,” he said. “CBRE’s experience in obtaining educational facilities was an important deciding factor.
“North Sydney is experiencing a resurgence due to infrastructure, streetscape and transport links investment, contributing to a deeper pool of industries choosing the area to attract and retain talent. Its vibrancy was a key factor.”
The campus site will provide undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in IT, business and accounting, with plans to progressively expand the suite of programs. It will also host international students, with students offered the opportunity to undertake a regional experience as part of their degree.
Charles Sturt University vice-chancellor, Professor Renee Leon, said students would benefit from the same experiences as those at the regional campuses, including access to online learning resources and other services as required.
“We are very carefully seeking to rebuild international student load, with added emphasis on our regional campuses and rejuvenation of our capital city presence,” he said.
The Sydney site has easy access to trains, buses and ferries and is a short walk from the upcoming Victoria Cross Metro Station, which will provide links to Barangaroo, Macquarie Park and Chatswood. It’s also home to a number of other educational institutions, including Australian Catholic University, Shore School, Wenona School, Marist Catholic College, Sydney Design School and Reddam House.
“North Sydney is now a destination of choice for companies seeking quick access to the city and high-quality amenity without the price tag,” said Vaughan. “The area is an extension of Sydney’s CBD, attracting high calibre companies such as Microsoft, SAP Australia and Channel 9.”
Navitas chief operating officer – careers and industry division Matthew Evans said there were many reasons for choosing the North Sydney site.
“Securing the perfect location for the Charles Sturt University Sydney campus was critical,” he said. “The 77 Berry Street address was the obvious choice.
“The attractive, bustling and vibrant metro location is humming with industry and opportunity, and the campus has so much to offer our first cohort of students. Along with the impressive courses on offer, the site boasts the right ingredients to help students develop the knowledge and skills to forge a bright future.”
Japanese restaurant Yurica has already signed up for a 115-square-metre retail tenancy at the base of the building, with two more, of 280 square metres and 20 square metres, soon to be leased.
Charles Sturt Melbourne will open in 2025 and offer similar courses to Sydney. Its central Bourke Street location will also offer easy transport links and access.
