Macquarie University has lodged a DA for the adaptive reuse of the southern portion of 9 Wally’s Walk and part new 6-storey building at the northern portion, as well as a new building at 7 Wally’s Walk.

The 6-storey building will be dedicated to the School of Engineering and include over 13,000 square metres of gross floor area. Indicative spaces included in the fit-out are learning labs, workshops, marker spaces, project testing spaces, research labs and workplaces.

Over 2700 square metres of gross floor area will be dedicated for the Australian Astronomical Optics. Key operations include developing innovative technology for use in astronomical instruments, developing software and data systems for the processing, storage and access of data and using these instruments for scientific research.

Development carried out by an Australian University is Crown development (section 294 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation). Under the special provisions for Crown developments, the DA cannot be refused (except by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces). The consent authority cannot impose conditions of consent without the applicant’s agreement, the applicant has the opportunity to review the draft conditions and if the consent authority fails to determine the application within the prescribed period, the application may be referred to the Minister for approval. Just imagine if more DAs could benefit from these special provisions.