Relocation from Epsom Campus to City Campus

The University has confirmed that the relocation of the Faculty of Education and Social Work from Epsom Campus to the City Campus will begin in late 2023, in readiness for teaching in 2024.

The University is committed to providing Faculty of Education and Social Work students with an excellent learning, teaching and study environment in the City. The move will provide a more comprehensive University experience to our students, bringing greater and easier access to support services and student clubs, societies and amenities that are concentrated on the City Campus. 

What’s happening to Epsom Campus? Will it be sold? 

A decision about the future of Epsom Campus has yet to be made.  

The Epsom Campus site has not been sold, nor is it currently for sale. However, the University is evaluating future options for the land and buildings, following the planned relocation of the Faculty of Education and Social Work, which is the main occupant of the campus. As well as the faculty, the Epsom site houses other University services and facilities. 

If the site were to be divested, in the first instance the University will consult with the Ministry of Education. The University is committed to keeping our students, staff, neighbours and other stakeholders informed as the future of the site is considered.  

How will the move fit with the academic calendar?

The move is likely to take place during the 2023/24 summer break, after examinations have concluded for Semester 2. One of the many considerations will be the impact on students and the ability of staff to continue to deliver a high standard of teaching and support services with minimal disruption.

What’s going to happen to the Sylvia Ashton-Warner Library at Epsom when the faculty moves to City Campus? 

The Sylvia Ashton-Warner Library and Information Commons’ collections will be consolidated into the General Library at the City Campus, with low-use items housed in the On-Demand Collection. Any items that cannot be housed in the General Library can still be requested and delivered within short turnaround times, normally one business day.

Library services will continue to be provided on Epsom Campus for as long as the Faculty of Education and Social Work remains on-site. 

Will the Sylvia Ashton-Warner name remain?

The University is considering options to retain the Sylvia-Ashton Warner name for a relevant collection in the General Library. All options, together with the possibility of a permanent display about Sylvia Ashton-Warner, will be explored in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including students and staff of the faculty. 

What’s going to happen to the faculty's Marae? 

The wharenui Tūtahi Tonu will be re-established on City Campus in a central location.  The wharekai, Te Piringa, will be provided, as will bathrooms. Together these will continue to function as Marae space for the faculty.

What will happen to the faculty’s art collection? 

The art collection will be moved to the faculty’s new locations on City Campus. A  specialist team will manage the curation, transportation and relocation of the artworks currently displayed and stored at Epsom Campus.  

Where will the faculty be located on City Campus?

The proposed locations are Buildings 104 (Old Choral Hall), 113 (Elam B), 114 (Commerce A), 201 (Social Sciences Building) and 240 (5 Alten Road). The buildings are approximately 200 metres apart and are connected via the Symonds Street pedestrian underpass.

See the City Campus map for more details. 

Is there parking on City Campus? 

The University provides parking at the Owen G Glenn Building for use by students, staff and visitors. Parking charges apply. See the University website for more information on this, and other parking options. 

What are the public-transport options for travelling to City Campus?  

The City Campus is serviced by plenty of convenient public transport options nearby, including buses, trains and ferries.

Students may be eligible for up to 35% discount on fares when using an AT HOP card. Cycling is also a cheap and eco-friendly option, with bike racks available on campus. Find out more about transport in Auckland. 

How will students be involved in planning and preparation? 

A working group, with student and staff representatives, will be formed to manage timely and appropriate communication with students, and to ensure student needs and feedback are incorporated in the planning process. 

The University will keep students involved and informed as we get closer to the date of the move to City Campus.   

What’s going to happen to the two Epsom ECE Centres?

Neither of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centres (Number 28 and Te Puna Kōhungahunga) will remain as University centres after the faculty has departed Epsom Campus.

The University is committed to maintaining the overall current level of ECE places allocated to University students and staff.  All children of students and staff curently at an Epsom ECE facility will be able to be accommodated in the University's city campus ECE facilities including the Kohanga Reo. The University is also planning an expansion of places at the City Campus Kohanga Reo.

More information

You can contact the campus-relocation project team directly by emailing EDSWrelocation@auckland.ac.nz.