The new building stands as a major investment in the region’s future, reshaping Gosford’s city centre and expanding access to tertiary education for local students. The project involved the complete design and construction of a contemporary multi-storey learning and innovation facility, incorporating specialist teaching, research and collaborative spaces.

“Hansen Yuncken served as the Managing Contractor responsible for the full design and construction delivery of the new University of Newcastle Central Coast Campus,” said Project Manager, Rob Schmitzer. “Our scope encompassed demolition and remediation of existing site structures, followed by the construction of the new campus building. We managed consultant co-ordination, design development, procurement and
end-to-end construction activities to ensure the project was delivered safely, sustainably and on program.”

A defining feature of the project is its extensive use of mass timber, with Glue-Laminated Timber (GLT) and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) sourced from specialist suppliers Rubner (Italy) and KLH (Austria). The structural timber forms the building’s signature warm aesthetic, with exposed beams, columns and soffit, contributing contributing to both architectural expression and carbon reduction outcomes.

However, delivering mass timber at this scale required a sophisticated global procurement and logistics strategy. “Managing an international supply chain of this size presented challenges,” Rob explained. “More than 30 shipping containers travelled via 11 international routes. We utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud to enable real-time collaboration across global teams, finalise design models efficiently, and track procurement. Every timber and facade component was QR-coded for progress monitoring and clear installation sequencing onsite.”

The façade delivery was equally complex, with curtain wall systems involving multi-stage fabrication across China and Thailand. Early supplier engagement and detailed scheduling ensured these critical elements arrived in alignment with the build sequence, protecting program continuity.
Sustainability and innovation were embedded from the earliest design phase. The building features a 32% reduction in upfront carbon, achieved through the mass timber structural system, Climate Active-certified carbon-neutral concrete and steel sourced from ResponsibleSteel™ suppliers. The project set a >90% construction waste diversion target, achieved through onsite sorting streams, signage, training and continuous performance monitoring.

High-performance operational systems further enhance the facility’s sustainability profile, including rooftop solar PV, advanced battery energy storage system (BESS), and the University’s commitment to sourcing 100% renewable energy. “This project stands as a benchmark for low-carbon construction and operational performance,” Senior Project Engineer Tim Everett explained. “Sustainability was prioritised early and consistently, and that’s reflected in both the building’s structure and its long-term energy profile.”

Collaboration was a central pillar throughout delivery. Weekly co-ordination sessions involving the University, architectural and engineering teams ensured rapid design resolution and seamless integration of specialist requirements.

“We maintained transparent communication and close alignment with the University’s project leadership team,” Rob said. “Engagement with local stakeholders and schools also helped strengthen community connection and highlight the value this facility brings to the region.”

From a technical perspective, the exposed mass timber and sweeping curved façade stand out as celebrated achievements. “We are immensely proud of the craftsmanship this project represents,” Tim said. “The curved GLT beams, the precision of timber installation and the façade integration all demonstrate the capability and collaboration of the team.”

Beyond the engineering and construction delivery, the broader legacy is what resonates most for Hansen Yuncken. “This campus represents a major investment in the future of the Central Coast,” Rob said. “It enhances access to higher education, stimulates urban renewal, and strengthens the region’s social and economic resilience. We are honoured to have played a leading role in realising that vision.”

The new Gosford Central building was jointly funded by the University of Newcastle ($31.3 million), the Australian Government
($18 million), and the NSW Government ($18 million) using land provided by the NSW Government’s Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation.

For more information contact Hansen Yuncken, phone 02 4908 6300, email newcastle@hansenyuncken.com.au, website www.hansenyuncken.com.au