Work will begin within months on a multi-million dollar refurbishment program for the Kolling building, significantly enhancing education infrastructure and the experience of students and staff across the Royal North Shore Hospital campus.

More than $8.5 million is being invested in the upgrade to the Kolling building - the academic and translational research hub for hundreds of staff and students across medicine, nursing and allied health. 

The University of Sydney is contributing $7 million to the refurbishment, with the Northern Sydney Local Health District providing the balance of the funds.

To commence in January, the works will include the multi-purpose Kolling Pavilion, contemporary learning spaces and modern library, improved outdoor spaces including new seating, and an upgraded entry and foyer.

Professor John Prins, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, said the upgrade to the Kolling building will support interdisciplinary education and greatly improve facilities for students and staff. 

“This exciting program of works will be purpose-built, providing modern, flexible and comfortable amenities, including both collaborative and private work spaces,” he said.

“Importantly, the design will support research, teaching and mentoring, while promoting valuable collaboration. 

“The refurbishment will create a contemporary, professional and welcoming environment, encouraging informal learning, enhancing the university’s presence on the campus and supporting student wellbeing through access to purpose-built facilities.”

The Kolling Pavilion will provide a large meeting and education space which will also be used as an event facility. 

It will open to the forecourt which will be transformed into a vibrant, green and flexible outdoor space, with landscaping, seating and informal learning areas.

The improvements are expected to encourage informal learning and social interaction among students and staff, and support indoor and outdoor teaching and community engagement. 

The library upgrade will deliver a range of modern, digitally enabled and accessible learning spaces, including individual study areas, collaborative work tables and meeting rooms.

The revamped area will create a space for students to connect and share ideas, and provide equitable access to learning and study spaces.

Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Anthony Schembri welcomed the refurbishment, saying it will foster a vibrant, inclusive and modern learning environment.

“I am delighted to see this large-scale upgrading program take shape, and realise the significant benefits for students and staff on campus, as well as the broader research and health community,” he said. 

“I would like to thank the University of Sydney for its generous investment which will transform part of the Kolling building and deliver significant new infrastructure to the campus.

“Importantly, the works support the strategic direction of the district, the university, and the Kolling Institute, who are all committed to high-quality healthcare, inclusive education, and impactful research.”  

The program of works is scheduled for completion by mid 2027.