Uni plans to build an arc

The university's draft Campus 2020 master plan, which sets out its vision for the next 12 years, recently went to staff for comment.

University pro-vice-chancellor for campus infrastructure Prof Richmond Jeremy said the university was considering its options.

Negotiations hadn't started with Harold Park, and North Eveleigh was not up for sale yet.

He conceded there were objections to its plans for Callan Park, which are currently with the NSW Planning Department, but said losing one site wouldn't ruin the arc.

"If we lost two it would be creating something fragmented," he said.

"It's a matter of critical mass and linkage."

Student numbers have doubled since 1990, with little new floorspace, and Camperdown and Darlington campuses were nearing their limits, he said: "The deans are tearing their hair out saying we can't accommodate staff and students," he said. "We have three academics in an office for one and lecture theatres so overcrowded students sit on the floor."

Student accommodation was scarce and many worked to afford high rents or spent hours travelling.

Prof Jeremy denied the university intended to swallow up suburbs or build huge apartment blocks but wanted to "grow our synergy with the community".

"It's about human-scale development: a place where people are in harmony with the environment and buildings," he said. "We don't want to hide behind a picket fence any more. We want to open up campuses and have a sense of almost community ownership of them."

Doing nothing would mean academics and students would leave.

POTENTIAL UNIVERSITY SITES

Callan Park, Rozelle: 5000 students, with accommodation for 700 students, 400 staff. Sports fields. Two or three faculties, possibly dentistry, psychology, drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Harold Park, Glebe: Accommodation for 700 students with a maximum of five floors, but mostly three or four floors; sports fields; open space.

North Eveleigh, Redfern: Homes for up to 1200 students, new academic precinct, sports facilities and playing fields. Links to Camperdown and Darlington campuses.