Overview
Despite claims by the University of Technology Sydney that some people actually like the UTS Tower, it's known to haters citywide as one of the ugliest buildings in Sydney. But this serious eyesore is finally getting proper attention from the powers that be, with new multi-million dollar plans for an attached 'student hub' announced this morning — though not quite as much attention as we think it needs.
Broadway's soulless tower of concrete will not be demolished — for reasons we still don't understand. Instead, Building 2 of the tower will get a complete makeover and act as a shiny new distraction from the structure allegedly designed so students couldn't meet each other, form groups and protest (it's a myth but we love it). The team from Tattoo Nightmares probably would have done a better cover up job, but unfortunately they don't do 1960s abominations.
The 16-level, glass-sheathed student hub will replace Building 2 on the corner of Broadway and Jones Street. The project, titled UTS Central, is said to start this year and finish in 2019, costing a whopping $278 million. You'd think for that amount of dollarydoos they'd be able to get rid of the UTS Tower once and for all, but someone up at the top must really, really want to keep it around.
The new development does sound pretty swank, though — there are plans to include a library with a twisting tri-level reading room, research areas, teaching spaces, a student centre, the student union, and a dining hall. Top it all off with an outdoor terrace and rooftop garden and the futuristic glass structure will at least be keeping students happy. UTS Central is the next in the campus revamps, following the recent $180 million Frank Gehry-designed business school that has also received mixed reviews.
Via Sydney Morning Herald. Image: NSW Department of Planning.