Lithgow City Council is very disappointed in the decision of Western Sydney University to cease delivering services at the Charles Hoskins Memorial Institute Building, often referred to as 'The Hub'.
The University has advised Council that it will be vacating the facility by 30 June 2025. Management of the Charles Hoskins Memorial Institute Building will transition to the Council.
WSU has also recently announced the closure of other facilities in Western Sydney including their Nirimba campus in Blacktown. Council understands that WSU has made the decision on 'The Hub' based on the ongoing cost of operating the facility, following the completion of the university's Black Summer Bushfire Grant projects.
Although WSU will not have a permanent presence in Lithgow, the university has undertaken to continue academic research and engagement in Lithgow, with further discussions to be undertaken as to how this will occur. The university is committed to assisting Lithgow LGA's economic transition, consistent with the Western Sydney University Act, which mandates support for the region's growth.
Since WSU ceased teaching activities at its Lithgow campus in 2018, the Council has provided strong support and advocacy for the continuing and long-term retention of WSU's presence in Lithgow at 'The Hub'. The Lithgow Local Government Area has tens of billions of dollars of investment proposed for major renewable energy projects for the years ahead, including wind, solar, larges cale batteries and pumped hydro. There is also the transformation of the former Wallerawang Power Station by Greenspot, the Foundations project at Portland and Council's efforts to open up new employment lands. All of these projects will benefit from WSU's expertise in research, engagement and potential future use of the campus for learning.
The Council Administration is considering options for the future use of the Charles Hoskins Memorial Institute Building before consulting with the Council.
