The priority for the landscape design is to create a University in a Park environment for all students to enjoy.

Featuring generous open spaces, courtyards, sunken gardens, mass plantings and low limestone walls and grey paving, the landscape will echo the beauty and heritage of the University.

Trees, shrubs and plants

More than 8,000 new plants, trees and shrubs will be planted across the site.

To the North, there is a strong connection to Kings Park with new native banksias, grevilleas and kangaroo paws.

Shade tolerant species including native frangipanis, native violets and Australian tree ferns also feature and will thrive beneath the large number and variety of trees on site.

An avenue of flowering pear trees will border the southern courtyard and the largest tree to be planted is a five metre high poinciana.

More than 90 per cent of the existing trees are being retained in the development, including all the spotted gum trees in the central courtyard. Significantly, timber from the trees that were removed is being recycled to build new seating and decking across the site.

Active and passive recreation spaces

Three major courtyards will give students a variety of spaces for quiet study or active sports. 

The northern and southern courtyards have dedicated outdoor study areas with seating and shade. The central courtyard maintains its large square of turf for active recreation and events.

A new basketball half court has also been installed.

Encouraging student interaction

More seating, banquet tables and informal meeting places will be built into the landscape for students to get together.

The barbecue area in the central courtyard will be upgraded and made more accessible.

In the southern courtyard a series of five metre long banquet tables, built using timber harvested from former trees on the site, will create an ideal gathering area for picnics, meetings or study groups.

Connecting to the University

The underpass at the corner of Stirling Highway and Mounts Bay Road will be renewed. Formal pathways, seating and new plantings will enhance this “campus gateway” for all users.

Students will also be able to access University Hall via a new, raised jarrah deck connecting the public transport services on Mounts Bay Road directly to the new ground floor café. The jarrah has been recycled from trees which were previously on site.