Student Accommodation Project FAQs
Building design
1. What is the style of the new accommodation?
The accommodation will be contemporary, functional and affordable. The development consists of four eight-storey towers oriented to the bushland setting.
The design embodies industry principles of best practice for student accommodation and sustainability.
2. How many beds will there be in each apartment?
The design includes a range of apartment sizes to appeal to the needs and preferences of a wide range of residents. There are studios, one, two, five and six-bedroom layouts, all of which maximise the use of space.
3. Will there be any family or couple accommodation?
There is no specifically designed family accommodation but we anticipate that some couples will potentially be accommodated. The University is looking at alternative opportunities on the campus for providing family accommodation.
4. Will there be accessible rooms in the new accommodation?
There will be 24 accessible rooms available in all layout designs and on different levels of the buildings, in accordance with guidelines in the Disability Discrimination Act.
5. What common facilities are incorporated into the design?
Facilities include games rooms, quiet study rooms, communal eating areas, BBQ facilities, music rooms and an e-library.
Common facilities on the ground floor will be accessible to all campus residents. The intention is to create a healthy, vibrant, safe and secure environment for all students across the residential precinct.
Facilities and tenancy
6. What type of furnishings and storage space will the apartments contain?
The bedrooms will have desks, beds, wardrobes, chairs and appropriate shelf storage. Each apartment will have kitchen and lounge facilities.
7. Will there be wireless internet in all apartments?
Bedrooms will have broadband internet connection, with wireless access available in all common rooms.
8. Will each apartment have a balcony?
Five and six-bedroom apartments will have balconies. In addition, there will be a balcony on the common area of the upper residential floors for use by all residents. The design balances social amenity with safety considerations.
9. Will the apartments be air-conditioned?
The common facilities on the ground floor will be air-conditioned. The apartments and common areas on residential floors have been designed to employ passive heating and cooling principles, using ceiling fans, breezeways allowing cross-ventilation, sun shading and weather protection.
10. Will laundry facilities be provided?
Laundry and secure drying facilities will be provided on the ground floor of each building.
11. Will there be bike storage?
The University is committed to encouraging the use of bicycles and will provide storage facilities for residents and visitors.
12. Is there a swimming pool in the new development like at International House and Edwards Hall?
There will not be a swimming pool. It is anticipated that residents of the new buildings will have access to the two pools provided in existing campus accommodation.
13. How will waste be managed in the new accommodation?
Waste disposal and recycling facilities will be located on the ground floor of each building.
14. How much parking will the new development provide?
The University is building a 400-space car park in conjunction with the student accommodation. The University is providing accessible and additional parking around the new buildings. We will provide short-term/drop-off zones at building entrances for dropping off groceries and moving in and out.
Car parking provisions have been calculated in accordance with The City of Newcastle, Development Control Plan 2005.
15. What rent will the University charge for the new accommodation?
The University has not yet determined rates for the new student accommodation.
16. When will the apartments be available for occupancy?
The new accommodation is scheduled to be available by first semester 2015. Applications will open during second semester 2014.
Parking and access during construction
17. How will parking for residents of Evatt House be affected during construction?
The car park at the front of Evatt House will be largely unaffected and compliance officers will ensure that only those with the appropriate permit are allowed to use that parking area.
The area behind Evatt House that has in the past been used by residents for formal and informal parking is no longer available.
An additional 52 residential parking spaces are being constructed in car park No 11, near Edwards Hall and International House. This area is about a five-minute walk from Evatt House following the path along the Ring Road. Alternatively, students who require assistance can call the University Security Shuttle Bus, on 0407 951 470 or ext 27114, to be picked up from the car park. The shuttle operates between 8am and midnight during semester. After those hours, students should call Security on 4921 5888.
In addition, car park No 6, diagonally opposite Evatt House, offers plenty of general parking and overnight parking is free between the hours of 5.30pm and 8am.
18. How will parking for University staff and students be affected during construction?
The small staff car park near the tennis courts, which previously housed 30 spaces, is no longer available. The University will increase the number of spaces in car park No 10.
Access to the University from car park No 15 via the path along the tennis courts is no longer available. Staff and students using car park No 15 can follow the path along the Ring Road or call the shuttle bus for assistance on 0407 951 470 or ext 27114.
19. What parking arrangements have been made for workers on the construction site?
The University has allocated parking space for building workers and sub-contractors on previously unused land near Warabrook Station. This area will accommodate up to 150 vehicles. Vehicles carrying building supplies and equipment will be accommodated within the construction zone.
Compliance officers will ensure that these parking arrangements are observed.
20. Will there be road closures or significant traffic interruptions during construction?
Short-term road closures may be required from time to time to allow the movement of heavy equipment or operation of cranes but staff and students will receive warning of any planned disruption via email.
Longer-term road closures to allow the installation of utilities will be scheduled for holiday periods.
Construction
21. Will buildings or facilities be removed?
The development requires the removal of the University tennis courts and the demolition of two disused cottages.
22. Will the tennis courts be replaced?
The University is working with NUsport to develop a masterplan for recreation requirements on campus. In the interim, alternative arrangements are being made for University Tennis Club games and School of Education teaching activities.
23. Will any other sporting facilities adjacent to the building site be affected?
A small section of the construction zone crosses the rear of the oval area housing the cricket practice wickets but will not affect the playing area or prevent use of the practice nets.
Parking spaces adjacent to the tennis courts that in the past may have been used by patrons of the nearby sports pavilion will no longer be available.
24. How many hours a day will the construction site be active?
The University has restricted the hours of operation to Monday to Friday, between 7.30am and 5pm. A Site Specific Development Plan has been developed to address traffic, environmental, quality and safety issues during construction, including noise control.
25. Who is in charge of security on and around the site?
The contractor, John Holland, is responsible for security within the construction zone and the University for the surrounding area. Residents, staff or students who wish to report a security concern on or around the site should call University Security on 4921 5888.
26. How do I lodge an enquiry or concern about the project or the building process?
Enquiries should be directed to Facilities Management:
P: 4921 6500
E: 16500@newcastle.edu.au
Environmental management
27. How is the bushland setting being protected?
The design promotes the bushland character of the campus and provides a balance between gathering spaces, transition spaces and quiet, contemplative spaces. It takes into account the location of significant trees and the watercourse corridor.
The University has appointed an environmental officer for the project and engaged an independent arborist to advise on tree significance and protection.
28. Will trees be removed?
Yes, the project will require removal of trees; however, significant trees will be maintained and replacement trees will be planted in accordance with Newcastle City Council guidelines and the University’s Landscape Management Plan.
29. How will dust from the site be controlled and monitored?
Dust will be controlled during the construction period through the use of water-spray carts to keep the ground and access roads moist. Dust monitors will be installed around the site.
