How universities can convert old offices into new campuses

While universities are looking for strategies to broaden their student intake, the growing number of ageing offices across major city centres are serving as the perfect opportunity to extend their reach and relevance.

Preferences for premium, high-amenity, environmentally certified buildings near public transport are leading to approximately 41%-55% of the world’s older office stock becoming functionally obsolete or at high risk of obsolescence.

Meanwhile, universities continue to expand into urban, mixed-use environments that enhance their visibility and accessibility.

“Adaptive reuse allows institutions to establish themselves in prime city locations quickly and cost-effectively, while simultaneously addressing a critical urban planning challenge," says Duane Loader, project director, Work Dynamics, JLL.

Universities with an appetite for adaptive reuse could save older offices from the scrapheap. Putting them to new use is not only a less capital-intensive undertaking than building a campus from scratch, but there are also sustainability advantages: 

• The reduction of embodied carbon

• The ability to minimise future environmental impact through the build

• Mitigating scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon impacts across the institutional portfolio.
   

Repurposing existing structures aligns with the education sector’s growing commitment to sustainability, Loader says.

“More than 1,100 institutions globally are committed to net zero emissions through the Race to Zero for Universities and Colleges campaignBy reviving old buildings, institutions can demonstrate leadership in responsible development while achieving meaningful reductions across all carbon scopes."

Some US$1.2 trillion (AU$1.9 trillion) in capital expenditure globally is needed to bring office assets at the end of their life cycle up to current standards. 

As this number grows starker so does the vacancy spread between premium CBD offices and ageing stock.

Meanwhile, university students are seeking study locations close to work opportunities, as well as an improved experience of student life.

It’s this evolving dynamic combined with strong momentum around adaptive reuse that provides a timely opportunity for education providers to acquire and transform underutilised buildings.

The requirement for a more diversified student base, including working adults, international students and online learners, and the need to address skills gaps, are forcing universities to reconsider their physical footprint so they become more integrated with key communities.

Increasingly, universities are anchoring urban districts and innovation ecosystems with vertical campuses. Take Dubai’s Heriot-Watt University, which is enabling collaboration between academia, business and research. 

Other expansions into large population hubs include University of NSW starting construction in 2025 of a $1 billion campus in Canberra’s city centre, Federation University Australia with its Melbourne City Campus in Bourke Street opened in 2025, and the relocation of University of Wollongong’s Liverpool campus to the new 17-storey Civic Place building in Liverpool’s CBD, in 2026. 

Also driving the evolution of the university campus is the Australian government’s investment in Suburban University Study Hubs (SUSHs) aimed at reaching communities with lower participation rates. Hubs are being established in existing central amenities such as libraries, retail centres and TAFE campuses in locations including Fairfield, Mt Druitt and Liverpool, in NSW, Inala and Beenleigh in Queensland, Mandurah in Western Australia, and more.

Converting offices into functional educational environments can be complex and require careful navigation.

“Compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), adherence to education-specific standards and guidelines and authority approvals are all factors to be considered,” Loader says.

 “This is a process that should begin well before property acquisition or lease negotiation and you really need a multidisciplinary team to assess a building for its intended use and requirements for conversion.” 

Developing an accommodation brief and conducting technical due diligence early in the site selection will help mitigate risk from the outset, Loader says.

“Test fits and NCC fire compliance checks on shortlisted buildings will confirm their capacity to support desired layouts without substantial cost. This level of due diligence will provide greater certainty for universities that are considering incorporating adaptive reuse buildings into their property strategy.”

 A further imperative will be to conduct test fits during a review of shortlisted buildings to confirm their capacity to support desired layouts and specialised requirements.

In addition to this: “Securing operational and financial certainty for construction planning and enrolment schedules,” Loader says.

Many institutions have successfully balanced the constraints of existing building envelopes with the need for specialised and flexible technology-enabled learning spaces.

One, The Centre for Higher Education in Melbourne’s South Yarra, was a project supported by JLL that demanded the coordination of advanced simulation technologies, flexible teaching spaces and industry-standard equipment.

This is just one example where JLL, with its integrated project expertise combining market intelligence, design innovation and construction management, is contributing to university projects with all the critical factors for success:

• Comprehensive property strategies prior to acquisition or lease negotiation

• Strategic consultation to develop an accommodation brief

• Site selection, feasibility assessments and early engagement with regulators to mitigate risks and unlock potential

With thousands of office buildings ripe for reinvention, universities have a strategic opportunity to create vibrant, purpose‑built learning environments in high-value metropolitan locations.

Taking an integrated strategic and project delivery approach will position them best for success.

Strategic planning

• Have a robust property strategy before acquisition or lease negotiation

• Develop a detailed accommodation brief that aligns with the goals of your university

• Engage a multidisciplinary project team early in the assessment process

  
  
  

Technical due diligence

• Ensure your site complies with National Construction Code (NCC) requirements

• Verify the site adheres to education-specific standards and guidelines

• Conduct test fits on shortlisted buildings to confirm layout capacity 

• Complete NCC fire compliance checks before commitment

  
  
  

Risk mitigation

• Perform site selection and feasibility assessments upfront

• Engage regulators early to identify potential obstacles

• Secure operational and financial certainty for construction timelines and enrolment schedules

  
  
  

Looking for a multidisciplinary team of education experts to guide your university through an adaptive reuse project? Get in touch