LIP Newsletter - Q3 2025
G’day,
It’s been an exciting few months for the Liverpool Innovation Precinct. We’ve marked some major milestones, including the opening of the Perich Centre for Robotics and Health Technology and the launch of Stage 2 of Liverpool Civic Place. This is a landmark project that will see the University of Wollongong establish a vertical campus by 2028.
Coming up, UNSW is set to open its new Liverpool Study Hub in December, while the announcement of a Special Entertainment Precinct adds further momentum. Redevelopment continues at Liverpool Hospital and the Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools, and with what feels like a sod-turning every week across the LGA, it’s clear Liverpool is in the midst of a big, transformative year.
Regards
David Borger
New Vertical Campus Breaks Ground
Liverpool is going vertical and it’s changing the game. On September 23, the city broke ground on Stage 2 of Liverpool Civic Place. By 2028, a 17-storey building, including a new University of Wollongong campus will have risen in the heart of the city. The Helix Hub, delivered in partnership with Built and Liverpool City Council, will bring cutting-edge teaching spaces, life sciences research labs, co-living accommodation, retail and public spaces all under one roof.
This is more than a building. It’s a bold investment in Liverpool’s future as a university city, joining a growing education presence that includes TAFE NSW, UNSW, Western Sydney University and Notre Dame. With the University of Wollongong already moving to occupy five floors of Civic Place Stage 1 in early 2026, together these institutions are helping shape a cradle-to-PhD pipeline for South West Sydney.
Liverpool is becoming a magnet for talent, innovation and opportunity.
An “Ultimo moment” for Liverpool
The launch of Stage 2 of Liverpool Civic Place in September wasn’t just a sod-turning, it was a statement. Leaders including Professor Max Lu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, Jono Cottee of Built and Mayor Ned Mannoun emphasised the benefits of bringing world-class teaching, research and student life into the heart of the CBD.
As event MC, Liverpool Innovation Precinct Chair David Borger noted that knowledge jobs are the engine room of the future economy. By bringing life sciences and research into Liverpool’s heart, we’re creating opportunities that multiply through the community, driving innovation and better lives for generations to come.
This could come to be seen as Liverpool’s “Ultimo” moment, every bit as significant as the arrival of UTS in central Sydney. Whether they are from Liverpool, Campbelltown, Fairfield or Cabramatta, students will be able to look up and know that university study is for them too. Best of all, with so many universities exploring an expanded presence, we’re just getting started.
Ingham Institute’s Centre for Robotics and Health Technology (Perich Centre)
The opening of Ingham Institute’s Centre for Robotics and Health Technology (Perich Centre) in September marks a powerful new chapter in healthcare innovation. This world-class facility brings together over 60 clinician scientists to pioneer ethical, inclusive healthcare technologies — right here in Liverpool.
This is health innovation with heart and it starts in South West Sydney. Led by Ingham Institute, the Centre is focused on advancing health equity through robotics, automation and digital tools, ensuring innovation reaches the communities that need it most. At the event launch, NSW Minister for Medical Research David Harris praised the Centre’s potential to transform care across regional and disadvantaged areas.
“Access to life-changing innovation should be for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said Minister Harris. “With its focus on impact, inclusion and collaboration, this latest development by Ingham Institute is set to become a national and global leader in healthcare automation.”
Clinical Lead of Ingham Institute’s Perich Centre, interventional radiologist Dr Glen Schlaphoff, reminded us that equity must be designed into every solution. Simone Proft, CEO of Ingham Institute, said it best: “The Perich Centre is about putting people at the centre of innovation.”
The Perich Centre will be home to pioneering projects including:
· AI-in-Health Incubator and transformation platform
· R&D in remote and robotic prognostics, diagnostics and therapeutics
· Research-enabled surgical robotics
· Remote sensing and wearable devices in midwifery, nursing and women’s health
· Allied health led rehabilitation robotics and gamified therapy for acquired brain injury
· AI and machine learning in cancer, cardiology, neurology and stroke treatment
· Advanced immersive training environments for future health leaders
Find out more.
Special Entertainment Precinct Coming
Liverpool is on the move, not just in innovation but in culture. Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the NSW Government, Liverpool Council will trial a Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) in the heart of the CBD.
With workers, shoppers and four campuses already, we’re building a city where people can have fun – and providing space for students to connect and enjoy life after lectures. The SEP will support late-night dining, live music and cultural festivals, giving Liverpool a buzzing nightlife to rival other emerging cities.
Other SEPs are already thriving in places like Enmore Road, Balmain and Burwood, with plans for Canley Heights and Canley Vale. Now it’s Liverpool’s turn.
This is about building social infrastructure that attracts talent, supports local business and strengthens civic pride. Let’s make Liverpool a place that comes alive after dark.
Liverpool Study Hub Opening Soon
Exciting news for tertiary students living in South West Sydney: this December the Liverpool Study Hub opens in the heart of the CBD. It will give uni, TAFE and senior high school students a vibrant, inclusive space to learn, connect and grow.
Led by UNSW and backed by federal funding, the Hub is part of a national push to bring tertiary education closer to home for students in outer metro areas. With high-speed internet, study zones, collaboration spaces and wellbeing support, it’s designed to help students succeed, especially those from migrant, First Nations and low-income backgrounds.
Whether you’re pursuing a degree or vocational training, the Liverpool Study Hub is set to become a cornerstone for lifelong learning in South West Sydney.
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Liverpool High Update
At our August LIP Steering Committee meeting, we heard from Peter Rouse, Director of Education Leadership from the NSW Department of Education about one of the most exciting education projects in Sydney. It’s the merger of Liverpool Boys and Girls High Schools into a new coeducational campus by 2028.
This is a bold investment in our young people. The new campus will cater for up to 2,000 students, with purpose-built facilities designed to support pathways into health, higher education and beyond.
We’re talking about modern classrooms, a multipurpose hall, new library and canteen, sports courts, bike parking and a covered outdoor learning area. It’s about giving every student the chance to thrive.
Here are some images of what it will be like – we think they look fantastic!
Vy Nguyen: A New Chapter for LIP
The Liverpool Innovation Precinct is thrilled to welcome Vy Nguyen as its new Director.
Vy is a powerhouse. She brings over two decades of senior leadership across government, property development and strategic planning with roles at UrbanGrowth, Landcom, Infrastructure NSW and the Department of Planning. She’s helped shape some of NSW’s most complex precincts, including Parramatta North and Macquarie Street East.
But what makes this appointment special is that Vy’s story is Liverpool’s story. A proud Vietnamese Australian who spent part of her younger life here, she understands the potential of this city.
Her strength lies in turning policy into action. She will work to bring government, industry and institutions together to get even more done for Liverpool. That’s exactly what we need as we enter the next chapter of the LIP. We’re lucky to have her on board.
Hospital in the Home
(Pictured below: Elaine Neville, Busby Auxiliary; Gary Lloyd, Director of Nursing & Midwifery Services; Scott McGrath, General Manager; Nele Legge, NICU Head of Department; Aaron Smith, Acting Director of Human Resources)
Liverpool Hospital is breaking new ground with its NICU Hospital in the Home program. This is giving families of newborns needing intensive care the chance to heal together, at home. This seven-day-a-week service, backed by expert nurses and doctors, means earlier discharge, more bonding, and better outcomes for mums and bubs.
It’s smart, compassionate healthcare, telehealth and home visits that boost breastfeeding rates, reduce postnatal depression and keep families close when it matters most.
A big shout-out to the Busby Auxiliary, whose generous donation helped fund vital equipment to get this program off the ground. It’s community support like this that makes Liverpool Hospital a leader in care and innovation.
Ideas with X Factor
This November, South West Sydney’s brightest minds are stepping up at the UNSW Impact X Pitch Night. This initiative aims to tackle real-world health challenges with bold ideas.. After eight weeks in the Impact X Pre-Accelerator, a diverse group of founders will pitch ventures tackling wellbeing, disability and healthcare for marginalised communities.
Hosted at the Ingham Institute Centre for Robotics and Health Technology, this will be a celebration of local innovation. Expect live pitches, networking and a powerful reminder that South West Sydney is home to world-class talent, driving inclusive healthcare.
If you care about better health outcomes and backing local entrepreneurs, this is the place to be.
Wednesday 26 November, 5.00pm
Ingham Institute Centre for Robotics and Health Technology (Perich Centre)