A city within a city.
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That appears where the University of Wollongong is headed after the release of its long-term vision for the future on Tuesday.
Many would argue it already is a “city within a city”.
The ambitious 20-year plan released foreshadows a mass of development at UOW transforming the campus into its own city of sorts with a thriving 24/7 lifestyle and a number of new multi-storey buildings.
The plan is to house thousands of extra students on site.
Yet is the university itself becoming a city in itself the best result for our city of Wollongong?
Perhaps that is a question that might yet be asked and an issue of some debate.
More cafes and licensed premises are part of the proposal hoping to extend the hours of campus life.
“Existing and proposed facilities (such as the new IGA supermarket) will be supplemented with additional complementary food outlets and entertainment opportunities,” the plan says.
“A new central University Square will provide a new focus for large events, performances and markets.”
Sounds awfully like what the city of Wollongong is already trying to achieve with its own CBD. How does that correspond with the long-term vision for not just the university but the city itself?
Clearly, without doubt, the university will play a major role in the development of this city and this region. That is a given.
The UOW is woven into the fabric of the many great things which make up this wonderful region of ours and it is an exciting time for our flagship educational institution.
BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES
Our last east coast low saw people kayaking down main streets of our city so let’s hope it doesn’t again come to that.
Emergency services and forecasters are on high alert as the region faces a drenching over the next few days in a reminder to all that we are still in winter’s not-so-warm embrace.
Meteorologists are not stating it will be classed as an “east coast low" at this stage, yet Wollongong is expected to cop the brunt of the bad weather.
The NSW SES is advising people in flood-prone areas to take the preventative action and if situations arise we will keep people posted via www.illlawarramercury.com.au.
