Plans for a major redevelopment of Moore Theological College in Newtown, including seven-storey tower with two levels of underground parking and storage, have passed the first planning hurdle.

Moore's new look was given the green light by NSW Department of Planning last month to proceed to the public exhibition stage.

"This is a huge step forward," said Doug Marr, Director of Property Planning at Moore College, "If we get approval it will mean the College can develop the Newtown campus in a co-ordinated way over a period of decades."

The plans will be exhibited from November 25 until Christmas Eve, with submissions expected from Sydney City Council amongst other stakeholders.

It is expected that after the exhibition period, the Department of Planning will provide Moore College with a list of questions based on these submissions.

Following this step, a final decision by the Minister for Planning could be made as early as next March.

If the application is given the go-ahead, the Diocese's theological college will begin with "stage one" of developments, focusing on the gateway site at the corner of King Street and Carillon Avenue. 

The seven-storey building will house a much larger library, with modern facilities for students and serious research. Currently, the Moore Library has a large collection of books held until requested in storage in two off campus storage locations. Expanding the library would make for more convenient and effective study and research.

This building is also planned to include administration space. Subject to available finance, these developments could be completed for use in 2012.

Future developments include extensions to student accommodation, adding more on-campus living space to cater for the growing number of students.