Nathan Master Plan

What is the Nathan Master Plan?

The Nathan Master Plan will establish a long-term vision to guide Griffith’s investment in reshaping and reinvigorating  Nathan campus over the next 50 years.

It will provide a future-focused framework, showcasing a range of development possibilities and with the capability to adapt to the changing academic and research environment while catering for the needs of our diverse student base.

What is the purpose of the Nathan Master Plan?

Acting as a framework, the Nathan Master Plan will guide the physical growth and development of Nathan campus to ensure it supports the evolving needs of our students, staff, industry and government collaborators and community partners.

Part of the Nathan Master Plan project involves a Highest and Best Use review to identify opportunities to maximise spaces across the campus which will not only help to offset the costs of new developments but will help to activate the campus and make it a more attractive, dynamic, and engaging space for students, staff, and the community.

Why does Nathan campus need a new Master Plan?

With the upcoming closure of  Mt Gravatt campus and the need to develop a new building to accommodate staff and students from Mt Gravatt, we are taking the opportunity to revisit the Nathan Master Plan. The existing plan was last formally updated in 2009, and the time is right to revisit it and ensure any investment made in the campus is prudent and aligns with the future direction of the University.

What has resulted from previous Master Plans?

The first site planning studies for Nathan campus were undertaken by Roger Johnson in 1972. His plan proposed the orthogonal layout with buildings distributed along a north-south spine and the ring road system that exists today. Several site planning reviews and studies have been undertaken since that time.

The current official Master Plan for Nathan campus was prepared in 2009. Since that time there have been significant changes in the economic and social environment; Griffith’s size and scale; pedagogy and modes of learning and teaching delivery; approaches to industry engagement; and infrastructure considerations to support research excellence.

In 2019, Griffith commissioned a review of its Brisbane campuses to clarify the strategic direction of these campuses and how together they extend a knowledge corridor from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. This review was completed and approved in 2019 and informed the University’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025.

Will there be opportunities to contribute to the development of the Nathan Master Plan?

Input from staff, students, industry and government partners and the community will be vital in shaping the Nathan Master Plan. We are committed to providing ongoing information and consultation opportunities for all stakeholders throughout the Master Plan development process.

For information on how you can get involved email reshape_nathan@griffith.edu.au.

How will First Peoples be engaged in the master planning process?

Griffith recognises the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Nathan campus. At Griffith, being a values-led University is at the heart of our identity and we have made a commitment for focused investment in First Peoples. An Indigenous Advisory Group has been formed to ensure the master planning process is informed and guided appropriately in relation to First Peoples – this group will be led by Acting Senior Engagement Coordinator, Office of the Pro Vice Chancellor (Indigenous), Dr Marcus Waters and include staff and community representation.

Will the Master Plan maintain the natural environment of  Nathan campus?

We understand that we are stewards of the diverse ecosystems across our campuses. In approaching the Master Plan, we will be driven to retain and enhance the unique and iconic natural environment of Nathan – taking into account the nature and character of the campus spaces, and how they might be diversified without detracting from the natural environment.

Will the Nathan Master Plan address environmental sustainability?

Griffith has a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and guardianship of our unique campus ecosystems. Sustainability is a key initiative of the Strategic Plan 2020-2025 – Creating a future for all – and this commitment will be extended to the Nathan Master Plan to ensure our ongoing success as a sustainable university that meets the future needs of students, staff, and the community.

Will the COVID-19 pandemic influence the Master Plan?

Reconceptualising what the Nathan campus will look like on the other side of the pandemic is an important element of the master planning process.

The Master Plan will set out a vision for how spaces will be designed, constructed, and used in the years ahead, with a focus on future-proofing the campus.

How do current projects, such as the Science Enabling Works program, fit in with the Nathan Master Plan?

• Several projects are already underway or planned for Nathan campus as part of the strategic drive to renew and reinvigorate the campus, one of which is the Nathan Master Plan.
• These projects have been sequenced based on priority and preparatory requirements for the N82- New Arrivals Building.
• The Nathan Master Plan will provide a framework to guide investment and renewal across the campus over the next 50 years.

Will existing/current projects be put on hold until the Nathan Master Plan is released?

No, projects that have been approved and are underway will not be put on hold.