Hassell Master Plan reveals long-term vision for University of Melbourne campus

Interconnected green corridors, more pedestrian-friendly thoroughfares, improved accessibility and the renewal of education and research spaces form part of the University of Melbourne’s bold new vision for the revitalisation of its campuses.

In a strategic move to enhance its position as a world-class centre of academic excellence, the University of Melbourne has launched its much-anticipated Estate Master Plan, a visionary blueprint for the institution’s precincts and campuses. This landmark initiative represents a pivotal milestone emphasising the University’s commitment to meeting long-term education and research needs.

As the principal design consultant, Hassell has created a long-term vision for the University’s historic Parkville campus where more than 22,000 square metres of new green space will be created for both students and the community to share.

“Our Estate Master Plan enhances the University’s commitment to learning experience and research outcomes. It’s a comprehensive and strategic approach that balances the re-lifing of its valuable heritage estate with new infrastructure.” 

— Principal Mark Roehrs 

“The university will also enhance its contribution to the overall city with easier ways to navigate through the university precinct and exciting new green space,” says Mark.

Grattan Street, a major Melbourne thoroughfare which passes through the Parkville campus will be a significantly expanded green corridor binding the historic northern precinct to the more contemporary southern precinct. These new pathways will make for a more accessible, safe and connected campus for students, staff and the community of the surrounding Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and the larger city.

Further planning studies are underway to progress plans for the University campuses across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

FIVE FOCUSES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE’S MASTER PLAN

1. Improving the campus experience by providing a diverse range of places that encourage opportunities to connect,
celebrate and come together.
2. Enhancing efficiency by focusing on finding ways to do more with less.
3. Regenerating an ageing estate by supporting the aspirations of each campus and the overall estate ecosystem.
4. Creating world-class, contemporary teaching and research spaces.
5. Creating new partnerships by offering unique opportunities to collaborate with industry and government.

​“At a time when many universities and their communities are reconsidering the role of the campus in a post-Covid world, the University of Melbourne Estate Master Plan represents a future-focussed framework for improving student and staff wellbeing, creating exemplary teaching, learning and research environments, and delivering sustainable outcomes,” says Hassell Associate, Matt Watson.

Hassell is also working on two new underground rail stations within the precinct — the Parkville and Arden Stations as part of the Metro Tunnel Project, a world-class collaboration between leading international design practices Hassell, Weston Williamson + Partners, and RSHP, as part of the Cross Yarra Partnership (CYP) joint venture. The Metro Tunnel Project is set for completion in 2025.