• 
• 

On-campus Student Accommodation Development

An exciting new development is under way at the University of Newcastle that will almost double on-campus student accommodation at Callaghan.

The two-year project to build four contemporary, multi-level apartment complexes will deliver an additional 778 beds to meet the high demand for affordable on-campus accommodation. The development will bring the total number of beds on campus to 1700.

The buildings will complement the unique bushland setting and have been designed in accordance with industry best-practice environmental principles.

The new development is part of a $100 million investment in student accommodation, which includes refurbishments to existing residences and additional parking for 400 vehicles.

The contract for the building project was awarded to John Holland Group on 19 December 2012 and site preparation began in mid January. Construction will continue until late 2014, with the first students scheduled to take occupancy in early 2015.

A Site Specific Development Plan has been developed to address traffic, environmental, quality and safety issues during construction, including noise control.

The building was designed by Architectus, an industry leader in student accommodation, education-sector architecture and sustainable design.

The project aligns with the University's Callaghan Campus Strategic Masterplan, creating a dedicated residential precinct that is a safe, secure and supportive environment for students.

The development of the residential precinct is a major infrastructure project for the University and the Hunter region that will create up to 350 jobs during construction.

The Project

• Four residential multi-level buildings with 778 new beds
• Ground floor recreation, study and communal areas
• Communal green areas
• Additional campus car parking for 400 vehicles

Our innovative design offers more residential common zones in multi-room apartment-style units (varying from studio, one, two, five and six-bedroom). It provides landscaped exterior social spaces linked by common green space.

Communal areas include barbecue facilities, music room, e-library, movie room and communal dining space.

Design objectives

The two dominant principles behind the design are provision of a healthy, vibrant, safe, secure residential environment and orientation of the design towards the unique bushland setting.

Other objectives:

• Create a memorable student experience in the context of the overall campus learning environment
• Deliver comfort and amenity
• Create an integrated student residential precinct
• Promote and respect the bushland campus
• Establish easy access and way finding
• Provide facilities to create a sense of identity and belonging
• Optimise sustainability in the design, construction and operation of the facilities

Location

The site for redevelopment is on campus land alongside the existing Evatt House and Edwards Hall student accommodation.

Consultation

The design is the result of extensive and ongoing consultation with University staff and students and a range of industry professionals, including experts in architecture, engineering and student accommodation.

Green Footprint

The University of Newcastle is a proud leader in environmental management and the design is consistent with environmentally sensitive best practice:

Environmental features:

• Natural lighting and ventilation
• View corridors
• Retention of significant trees
• Building flexibility
• Solar power/hot water
• Secure bicycle storage
• Rainwater capture and re-use

Reducing the development footprint was a high priority for our expert design team. The eight-level design optimises the use of the site, ensuring that it treads lightly on the bushland setting while maximising open space. The buildings match the height of the tallest existing trees.

The multi-disciplinary team included architects with a proven track record in environmentally sensitive design and student accommodation.

The development respects and reinforces the bushland campus setting.

Native planting will complement the precinct and pathways used to protect existing flora.

Proposed Timeline

1 March 2012 – Joint Regional Planning Panel approves the development application
18 January 2013 – Site establishment begins
15 February 2013 – Earthwork and excavation begin
5 March 2013 – Construction of retaining walls and bulk earthworks begins
12 March 2013 – Work on pilings and footings begins
23 April 2013 – Construction of apartment towers begins
March-July 2014 – Landscaping under way
30 June 2014 – Four apartment towers completed
25 August 2014 – Final completion of building work
September-November 2014 – Interior fit-out
February 2015 – First student residents move in

More Information

For more information on the development and construction program, go to FAQs.