Selling the land for the token price of $1 must have been one of the best decisions our civic leaders ever made.

That seemingly impulsive offer has now been paid back many times over.

The temple has brought economic and cultural benefits to the Illawarra.

If the campus receives its ‘‘university’’ status it will be another major boost to the region, bolstering the already growing student population, and helping to make the Illawarra a more exciting place to live.

The proponents hope to start building by the middle of the year. Let’s hope administrative red tape doesn’t delay this timetable.

The new campus is just one more project which is helping to transform Wollongong into a vibrant student district.

The University of Wollongong’s purchase of the IBIS hotel and its plans to build new student accommodation at Gwynneville will also boost the city’s student population.

The Nan Tien Temple’s decision to push ahead with its campus is a show of faith in the city.

It’s also further evidence that this area is growing into a culturally and economically viable regional centre.