Faculty of Law to make a new home in Building 2

July 2017

Building 2 (UTS Central) is set to become the new base for UTS’s Faculty of Law, uniting the faculty in the heart of campus.

In a recent development, levels 15 and 16 as well as part of 14 in Building 2’s twisting, glass-encased tower will become Law’s new home, following completion of construction work in 2019. News of the future move comes as the faculty celebrates its 40th anniversary as a law school.

Artist's impression of Building 2 from Jones St
An artist's impression of Building 2 from Jones St
 

The case for Law’s relocation

As part of the UTS Campus Master Plan, faculties are progressively being relocated into new, improved accommodation – just one of the ways the university is ensuring that our physical environment supports our strategic objectives. 

Law’s relocation into Building 2 is a clear-cut winner for the faculty and the university. As well as bringing the faculty together (from Buildings 5 and 10), it will deliver purpose-designed, centrally-located facilities with opportunities to enhance cohesion, communication and collaboration.

“For some time now, we have been seeking a new home for Law,” says Lesley Hitchens, Dean of Law. “UTS Central offers the right accommodation for our needs and at the right time.

“Relocating into the new building will give Law purpose-designed spaces and facilities to meet the needs of our staff and students. Building 2’s striking design and prominent position will also reflect far better than Building 5 the prestigious law school that we have become – and our innovative and future-focused nature.”
 

A centre of excellence

There’s no denying Law will be in good company in Building 2, with its soaring tower (levels 9-16) also housing  some of the Library as well as research space for the Faculty of Engineering and IT. Meanwhile the lower podium levels (3-8), with their strong visual (and actual) connections to the wider campus, will become a dynamic student hub. Key spaces include the UTS Library, reading room and learning commons, food court and a range of different sized general teaching spaces ranging from 48 to 350 seats.

Artist's impression of Building 2 reading room
An artist's impression of the two-level reading room, a key space in the new Building 2  
 

Behind the hoardings

It will be a while before the new Building 2 becomes visible, but there have been several exciting developments onsite in recent weeks.

  • The jump form – resplendent in the university’s bold new branding – now peeks above the hoardings. Concrete will shortly be poured for level 5 of the lift core.
  • The tower crane at the northern end of the construction site has a not-so-little brother at the southern end. The second tower crane stands taller than Building 11, has a maximum jib (arm) length of 60m and can lift up to 12 tonnes.
  • The long-awaited new truck entry from Broadway has opened to its first vehicles. Please be vigilant and follow the instructions of traffic controllers at all times when walking near the corner of Jones St and Broadway.

Building 2 jump form
The eye-catching jump form is now visible
 

Upcoming milestones 

  • Installation of facade, services and internal finishes commences – April 2018 
  • Topping out – late 2018
  • Building commissioning commences – May 2019 
  • New Building 2 complete – mid 2019
  • Law and FEIT move in – early 2020
     

Further information

Visit the UTS website or Staff Connect (staff only) for further information on this and other projects. For enquiries about this project or the contractors, please contact masterplan.feedback@uts.edu.au. 
 

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.