Proposed Callaghan Campus Student Accommodation

Proposed Callaghan Campus Student Accommodation render
Proposed Callaghan Campus Student Accommodation

Project overview

We are continuing to invest in our Callaghan Campus and we're planning for the delivery of a new student accommodation building.

This development responds to the ongoing demand for student accommodation at the Callaghan Campus, offering safe, secure, and affordable housing that fosters a strong sense of community.

The new student accommodation will feature an eight-storey building with 450 beds. There will be a mix of single studios and clusters, as well as student communal spaces, end of trip and back of house amenities.

Connecting with Country

The University has engaged Hunter-based consultants, Mawambul, to ensure the proposal, including any engagement undertaken, respects and responds to local cultural protocols and sensitivities.

In line with the University’s commitment to Connecting with Country, a culturally informed design framework is being developed to ensure cultural safety for First Nations students.

Sustainability

With the site located alongside the natural bushland of the campus, the University is placing a strong focus on environmentally responsible design for the new student accommodation.

Technical experts have been engaged to prepare an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) report, which will help guide the integration of sustainability features into the overall project. The development achieves a minimum 4 star (with aspirational 5-star) Green Building v1 rating.

Parking

Existing parking for the Rugby Union Club will be shared with the proposed student accommodation building.

As we progress the proposal, we are looking holistically at parking across the Callaghan Campus to ensure we are providing parking where there is greatest demand.

A traffic consultant has been engaged to prepare a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), which will provide recommendations to manage potential impacts on parking availability.

Next steps

The University is seeking approval for the student accommodation building from the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, through a Regionally Significant Development Application (RSDA). The RSDA was lodged in October 2025.

  • We are here: The University lodged the RSDA in October 2025. Shortly after submission, the RSDA will be exhibited for public comment. The University has prepared a range of studies and assessments to accompany the RSDA. The University has also engaged with the community to gather feedback on the proposal. All feedback has been compiled into an Engagement Outcomes Report, which was submitted as part of the RSDA.
  • Expected 2026: Once the public exhibition period concludes, the Panel will review all feedback and decide on the proposal.

Contacting the team:

To find out more regarding the proposed student accommodation, or to share feedback, please contact: engagement@urbis.com.au