Transforming the UNSW Village Green into an inclusive and exceptional wellness environment

We are excited to announce work is about to recommence on the transformation of the Village Green, the largest open space on Kensington Campus.

In 2020, the Village Green redevelopment project was postponed as the University adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on more immediate challenges. The transformation of the Village Green remains a priority for the University and our vision remains the same, to create a vibrant and connected place that provides inclusive and exceptional sporting, recreational, social and wellness opportunities where students, staff and the community can come together to play, exercise, socialise and relax.

The Village Green redevelopment will feature:

• Multi-purpose synthetic football field to FIFA and World Rugby accreditation standard
• Multi-purpose courts for netball, basketball and futsal
• 500m walking and running track
• Outdoor fitness equipment
• Seated viewing grandstand and electronic scoreboard
• Sports and recreational lighting
• Landscaped social spaces including urban farm and public art opportunities
• Futureproofing for additional activities and amenities including food and beverage
• Below ground stormwater infiltration tank.

For students, the Village Green will provide an enhanced and vibrant experience. There will be increased opportunities for social and competitive student sport and activities.  The new space will provide multipurpose facilities and contribute to enabling the UNSW Sport Strategy delivering on inclusivity and diversity with a focus on wellbeing and sustainability.

The multi-purpose synthetic pitch will be all-weather, all-year round and cater for a broader range of sports, as well as providing all aspects of wellness including recreational sport, social interactions, fitness, and contemplation.

Another important aspect of this project is the sustainability benefit the project will deliver with the upgrade of the below ground stormwater infiltration tank. The Village Green is an essential part of the campus stormwater and infiltration system. Aligned with UNSW’s Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019-2021, a new tank will be installed to capture campus stormwater underground, contribute to recharging the Botany Aquifer, and in doing so provide a substantial source of sustainable water supply on campus. Together with the multipurpose pitch the redevelopment will reduce water usage on the site.

Estate Management is recommencing works on the site from the end of June 2021.

Alternative sporting locations on campus for 2021 will be announced soon.

It is expected the transformed Village Green will reopen from September 2022.

For more information about the project, visit the Village Green Redevelopment page on the EM website.