NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly today announced the approval of research and teaching facilities at both the University of NSW and Macquarie University.

The development approval at the University of NSW involves a $112 million refurbishment of the Wallace Wurth building, including an expansion of the building footprint to the north and south to create a new seven-storey building with over 20,000 square metres of floor space.

The project also includes demolition works; construction of an additional level above the west wing; and a central atrium connecting the western and eastern wings.

Mr Kelly said the refurbishment of the Wallace Wurth building would provide state-of-the-art facilities to further medical research. The new building will accommodate around 900 more people than the existing building.

"It will create modern facilities that will help attract leading academics and researchers, and provide world-class teaching and training in medical fields," Mr Kelly said.

At Macquarie University, the approval will allow for the construction of the $108 million, six-storey Australian Hearing Hub.

The new building will contain 23,182 square metres of floor space for education, research, commercial and retail uses.

Minister for Science and Medical Research Jodi McKay said the Hearing Hub will be a unique facility for research, training, teaching and learning in hearing and speech-related disorders.