About UTS Business School (Building 8)
The UTS Business School’s Frank Gehry–designed building (Building 8) is an iconic academic venue on the UTS Ultimo campus. Opened in 2015, it was the first Gehry building in the Southern Hemisphere . With 14 levels (12 above ground) and about 18,400 m2 of floor space , it accommodates roughly 1,630 people at full capacity . The building is formally named the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building after the Chinese–Australian philanthropist who funded it . Its most notable feature is an undulating exterior of 320,000 custom bricks, creating a distinctive “crumpled brown paper bag” effect . Internally, Gehry’s “treehouse” concept is evident: there is a grand glass-sided atrium and informal collaboration spaces branching off a central “trunk” . For example, the building contains two oval timber-lined lecture rooms (each seating over 50) built from enormous laminated beams, and a sculptural polished steel staircase as a lobby centerpiece . Sustainable materials (recycled timber and “green concrete”) helped the design achieve a 5-Star Green Star rating . In short, it is a world-class, architecturally significant venue that reflects UTS’s commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary learning.
Events and Programming
Although Building 8 is primarily an academic facility, its lecture theatres and spaces are regularly used for events. Typical programming includes UTS Business School symposiums, guest lectures, networking nights, and student showcases (usually open to registered attendees). Externally, many academic and industry conferences are hosted here, taking advantage of the modern facilities. For instance, the Asia-Pacific Electronic Music Conference was held at Building 8 in November 2019 www.ticketfairy.com . The venue is well suited to conferences, seminars, workshops and exhibitions , so it also sees events in media, advertising, education and sustainability. Events range from one-off seminars to multi-day conferences. Smaller workshops or information sessions (often free or low-cost) occur frequently, while larger conferences may charge registration fees (sometimes several hundred dollars, with early-bird and student rates). Because class schedules are mainly weekdays, most public events also happen Monday–Friday. The central atrium lobby and communal areas are occasionally used for poster sessions or informal gatherings between sessions. In summary, visitors will most often find scholarly and business-oriented programming at UTS Business School Building 8.
Tickets and Booking
Ticketing for events at Building 8 is handled by the event organisers, not by the venue. There is no public box office on site. Visitors should purchase tickets or register online via the conference or event website, or through the UTS Business School’s event listing. Many university lectures or panels are free but require advance RSVP. For paid events, prices vary: small seminars may be free to $20, while international conferences typically charge a few hundred dollars. Registration is often tiered (e.g. student vs professional rates, early-bird discounts), so it pays to book early. Popular events in Building 8 can sell out, since the largest theatre seats only around 240 people . If you plan to attend, keep an eye on the UTS Business School news or the specific event’s announcements for ticket release dates.
Seating and Layout
Building 8 contains multiple tiered and collaborative lecture theatres, plus smaller seminar rooms. The main auditorium is the Chau Chak Wing Auditorium on Level 2, a 240-seat tiered theatre . A second “collaborative theatre” on Level 3 seats about 120 and has table-style seating for interactive sessions . In addition, UTS lists various flat and tiered classrooms (for example, an Executive Education seminar room on Level 8 with 48 seats ). General admission seating is uncommon; most events assign or reserve seats in advance. For the tiered theatres, centre-front and centre-middle rows offer the best sightlines to the stage or screen. The design ensures even back rows have good views, thanks to the steep rake. Aisle seats are easiest to reach if capacity is high. Avoid extreme corner seats in the flat theatre where angles can limit visibility. Overall, the auditorium is acoustically well designed. For accessibility, spaces are laid out with side aisles and steps; some front rows and aisle seats are often reserved for wheelchair users or special-needs attendees. There is no “VIP” section as such, though organizers may reserve front rows or provide stereos seating if needed.
Getting There and Parking
The Dr Chau Chak Wing Building is at 14–28 Ultimo Road, Ultimo NSW 2007 . It sits on the southern edge of UTS’s City Campus, bordering Chinatown. For public transport, Central Station (the main Sydney railway hub) is about a 10–15 minute walk north (via Broadway). Sydney Trains services on the T1–T9 lines all stop at Central, and the Sydney Metro (M1) also stops underneath the station . A short walk east from Central along Broadway brings you to Building 8. Several bus routes on Broadway and nearby roads serve the campus – for example, routes 310, 343, 374, 422 and 423 stop within a block of UTS . The L2/L3 Sydney Light Rail lines run down George Street/Broadway: the nearest L3 stop is at Central Station (inside the station complex). Rideshare or taxi drop-offs are typically on Ultimo Road right outside Building 8 .
Parking on-site is extremely limited. The building’s basement has only about 20 car spaces (plus 160 bicycle racks) , primarily for staff. Visitors are better off using nearby paid parking. The UTS Building 10 car park (Wilson Parking) is a 5-minute walk north; it’s open from 6:30 am to 10 pm . Another option is Broadway Shopping Centre (at the corner of Ultimo Road and Bay Street) – it offers two hours of free parking, which is convenient for shorter visits . Street parking is minimal. If attending evening events, public transit is recommended (trains run until around midnight). After hours, Sydney’s NightRide buses and taxis are available from Central Station for late returns.
Inside the Venue
Visitors enter Building 8 on the ground floor, where there is a reception/concierge desk in the lobby. During events, staff or signage will direct you to the correct theatre or function room. Security screening is generally light – major academic events may check tickets or IDs at the door, and exhibitors might inspect bags for large electronics. Once inside, expect a modern university atmosphere. Common areas feature warm timber accents and natural light from the glass façade. A standout feature is the mirrored stainless steel staircase in the main atrium, which is both sculptural and functional . For food and drink, the building houses a student café (facility “Cafe 80”) at the Ultimo Road entrance, which serves coffee and light snacks at certain hours. Otherwise, attendees typically visit nearby eateries for meals. Free Wi-Fi is available through the UTS network (guests can use UTSGuest or eduroam if you have credentials). Restrooms are located on each floor and are accessible. If you need parking validation or coat-check during an event, these services are not guaranteed by the venue but may be provided by conference organisers.
Nearby Amenities
Building 8 is in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown precinct, so dining options abound. A few steps away on Ultimo Road and Dixon/Bathurst Streets you’ll find many Asian restaurants: dumpling houses, noodle shops, Malaysian and Vietnamese eateries, and more. On Broadway (north of the train line) are cafes, food stalls and the Broadway Centre food court. For a quick coffee or sandwich, there are several cafes on campus or across the street. If you need alcoholic beverages, pubs and bars line Broadway (e.g. the Broadway Hotel) and the nearby Darling Harbour area. For lunch or dinner with colleagues, Chinatown’s famed Golden Century seafood or Spice Temple Chinese cuisine are popular choices (though note they book out early).
Hotels nearby include the Sydney Central Hotel (adjacent to Broadway Station), Mercure Sydney (Town Hall), Four Points Sheraton (in the Queen Victoria Building) and The Old Clare Hotel (Chippendale) . These are all within walking distance or a short ride from Building 8. Real-time transport apps can help plan late-night travel: the city runs frequent buses on Broadway even after 10 pm, and trains resume service into the early morning as part of Sydney’s NightRide network. As a general tip, arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your event to find parking or seating, and leave through the Ultimo Road exit (there is also a Mary Ann Street exit by Café 80 , useful if you need to catch The Goods Line pedestrian path back toward Central).
What Makes This Venue Special
UTS Building 8 is anything but an ordinary auditorium block. Its design and story make it a standout. Architecturally, it is celebrated as Frank Gehry’s only Australian project – locals and visitors often marvel at its flowing brick curves and glass façade, which seem to warp and shimmer depending on the light (earning it nicknames like the “paper bag building”). Many reviewers highlight its “exceptional architecture” and striking form . Inside, the oval timber-clad classrooms and mirrored staircase create an inspiring, playful environment for learning . Culturally, the building symbolizes UTS’s forward-thinking approach: one university leader even said it embodies “business as unusual,” reflecting UTS’s innovative ethos . It also has environmental credentials (5★ Green Star) and is designed to foster collaboration among students. All these factors make Building 8 a local landmark in Sydney’s Ultimo – both students and architecture enthusiasts love to visit, photograph and work in this sculptural venue. In short, its combination of radical design, technological features and academic purpose create a unique setting that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Visitor Tips and Information
If you’re attending an event here, arrive early (at least 15 minutes) to find your theatre and settle in. The building is wheelchair-accessible (ramps, lifts and hearing loops are installed in the Chau Chak Wing Auditorium ). Bring your ticket or registration confirmation (digital is fine) along with photo ID if requested. Dress is generally casual or business-casual (outside of formal conferences, there’s no strict dress code). Small bags and personal electronics are allowed, but remember event organizers may prohibit cameras or recording during sessions, so check the rules beforehand. Food and drinks (beyond bottled water) should not be brought into the theatres – use the café or nearby restaurants instead. Quiet is appreciated in the corridors, as the building is a working school. Also note that the building’s public access hours align with campus hours (roughly 8 am–10 pm on weekdays), so late-evening or weekend entry may be restricted unless you’re there for a scheduled event. Finally, take a moment to enjoy the venue itself: the multi-level atrium, the public balcony overlooking The Goods Line, and the innovative classrooms all make Building 8 an experience in itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the UTS Business School (Dr Chau Chak Wing) Building located?
The UTS Business School is at 14–28 Ultimo Road, Ultimo NSW 2007 . It occupies the south-west corner of the UTS City Campus, on the edge of Sydney’s Chinatown. (If using GPS, this address will lead you right to its main entrance.)
How can I get to Building 8 by public transport?
The closest major station is Sydney Central (rail), about a 10–15 minute walk. Central is served by all major train lines (T1–T9) and the Sydney Metro (M1) . From there, walk south along Broadway to Ultimo Road. Several buses (routes 310, 343, 374, 422, 423) stop on Broadway within a block of the venue . The L2/L3 light rail runs down George Street/Broadway; the nearest stop is at Central Station. Taxis and rideshares can drop off directly on Ultimo Road outside Building 8 .
What parking is available near the UTS Business School?
On-site car parking is very limited (around 20 spaces in the basement) and reserved mostly for staff. The best options for visitors are nearby lots: Wilson Parking at UTS Building 10 (just north of Broadway) is a short walk away . The Broadway Shopping Centre on Bay St offers 2 hours free parking – convenient for short visits . Other paid street or private lots are also in the area, but availability is tight. Bicycles can be parked in the 160 bike racks in the building’s bike bay .
How many people can the main auditorium seat?
The largest theatre in Building 8 is the Chau Chak Wing Auditorium on Level 2, which is tiered and seats approximately 240 people . There is also a second lecture space (Level 3 collaborative theatre) seating about 120. For context, the entire building can hold around 1,630 students and staff at once .
Is the venue accessible (wheelchair/hearing access)?
Yes. The UTS Business School is fully accessible. Entrances on Ultimo Road and Mary Ann Street have ramps or lifts. All floors and theatres are servied by elevators. Accessible toilets are provided on each level. In particular, the Chau Chak Wing Auditorium has a hearing loop for the hard-of-hearing . Staff can assist with wheelchair seating as needed.
Is there a box office at Building 8 for buying tickets?
No. There is no public box office or ticket booth at the UTS Business School. All tickets or registrations must be purchased online in advance through the event organizers or the UTS Business School’s website. If you have an e-ticket or registration confirmation, just bring that and photo ID on the day.
What are the ticket prices for events at this venue?
Ticket prices vary widely depending on the event. Many UTS Business School seminars and lectures are free or require only RSVP. Professional conferences and industry events at the venue often charge registration fees (typically in the low hundreds of dollars) www.ticketfairy.com . Student and early-bird discounts are common for larger conferences. Always check the specific event’s information for pricing details.
Can I bring food or drink into the theatres?
In general, food and drinks (other than sealed water bottles) are not allowed inside the lecture theatres. Attendees usually use the on-site café or nearby restaurants before and after sessions. You may bring a small bottle of water. Event organizers sometimes provide coffee or tea breaks outside the theatre, but eating inside the auditorium is discouraged to keep the space clean.
Am I allowed to take photos or record video inside the building?
Generally, casual photography of the venue is fine (many visitors like to photograph its architecture). However, during lectures or conferences you should not record audio/video without permission from the speaker or event organizer. Professional cameras may be restricted during events. Always check with staff if in doubt. Personal snapshots of the main corridors or atrium are usually acceptable.
What is the dress code for events at UTS Business School?
There is no strict dress code. For most lectures, seminars and courses, casual or smart-casual attire is fine. If you are attending a formal conference (e.g. industry summit), business or business-casual dress is appropriate. Basically, dress comfortably and professionally, as you would for a workplace conference.
Can I attend events if I am under 16 years old?
That depends on the event. The building itself has no age restriction, but many college and professional events are designed for adults. If an event is open to the public, children are usually welcome – however, they must be supervised. Each event may have its own policy, so check the details. Student open days or family-friendly programs tend to welcome younger attendees, but academic conferences may not.
Who was Dr. Chau Chak Wing, and why is the building named after him?
Dr. Chau Chak Wing is a Chinese–Australian businessman and philanthropist. He donated a large sum of money to UTS, which made the construction of the Business School building possible. In recognition of his gift, the building was named the Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building .
Why is the UTS Business School building nicknamed the “Paper Bag Building”?
The nickname “Paper Bag Building” comes from the building’s crumpled-brick exterior. The swirling, folded brick façade resembles a wrinkled paper bag blown into the air. This distinctive look is a result of Frank Gehry’s design, and it gives the building its unique, organic appearance .
When did the UTS Business School (Building 8) officially open?
Construction of the building was completed in 2014 and it officially opened in early 2015 . It has been in use since then as the home of the UTS Business School. Architecturally it is considered a modern landmark from the 2010s.
