Leasing and licensing of University premises
Types of facilities
From time to time, the University may have surplus office, research, or other facilities, and may choose to make these facilities available to the public for lease though our office.
There are additional types of facilities on campus that may be available for lease through other entities in the University:
- For questions regarding retail space in the Wentworth, Holme, Jane Foss Russell or Manning buildings, please contact the University of Sydney Union.
- For casual bookings of space, photo shoots, etc please contact the University of Sydney Venue Collection.
- For questions regarding retail space in a sports facility building, please contact Sydney Uni Sport &Fitness.
- To file a maintenance request, please contact Campus Infrastructure Services.
Types of arrangements
The University will consider a variety of license or lease arrangements for University facilities, equipment and resources. The type of agreement may be straightforward tenancy of office, laboratory, or workshop space, or may include ground leases, BOOT schemes, joint ventures, etc.
Applying to lease or license University property
Making a proposal
Prospective tenants generally approach a sponsor within the University, such as an academic college or the Sydnovate. Alternatively, a prospective tenant may complete a Lease and Licensing Term Sheet and return it to the Senior Property Officer at our office. The applicant will then work with any applicable sponsor to develop a proposal outlining the commercial, teaching, research, or other benefits to the University.
Evaluation of proposals
Proposals to lease or license University premises will be evaluated by a number of stakeholders from appropriate areas of the University, including (but not limited to) Sydnovate, Campus Infrastructure Services, Office of General Counsel, Audit & Risk Management Office, and Investment & Capital Management Office. These stakeholders will examine the benefits, risks, and feasibility of the proposal. The University’s Tender Procedures may apply to the award of leasing, license, or commercial agreements.
Standard terms and conditions for lease or license of University premises
The University has a standard licence agreement that can be modified as appropriate. Standard terms and conditions include:
Rental rates
Rental rates will be established with consideration to market rates, inclusion of equipment or services, and any proposed sharing of revenue or other benefits. Consideration will also be given to requirements for cleaning, climate control, security, repairs and maintenance, utilities, etc. Where utilities are not separately metered for the tenanted space, estimates will be built into the agreement. Tenants will be responsible for all telephone, fax, and Internet charges.
Fit out and make good
It is preferred that this work be carried out the University’s Campus Infrastructure Services and financed by the tenant. The agreement will specify whether and how the tenant is required to restore the premises to their original condition.
Banker’s Guarantee
The agreement will specify the amount and nature of the Banker’s Guarantee required.
Legal costs and public liability insurance
All legal costs are to be borne by the tenant. The University normally requires external parties to carry public liability insurance of not less than $20 million.
Further information
For more information on leasing or licensing of University premises, please contact us.