New student accommodation / Accommodation / Services & Facilities / The University of Newcastle, Australia

On-campus Student Accommodation Project

The University of Newcastle is about to undertake a major new development that will almost double its on-campus student accommodation at Callaghan.

The Development Application for the new accommodation precinct offering some 780 additional beds on the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus received the green light on 1 March 2012.

In approving and recommending the application, the Joint Regional Planning Panel and the Newcastle City Council considered consistency with the planning regulations, best practice guidelines, student benefit, the architectural character and physical level of amenity for future residents.

The new accommodation is part of a $100 million University student support package, which includes refurbishments to existing accommodation.

The project aligns with the University's Callaghan Campus master plan to create a dedicated residential precinct that is a safe, secure, and supportive environment for students. Equally important is orienting the design towards the unique bushland setting.

The development of the residential precinct will create up to 350 jobs during construction.

The Proposal

•    Four residential multi-storey buildings and almost 800 new beds
•    More communal green areas
•    Additional campus car parking for 400 vehicles

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

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

Location

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

Consultation

Initial feasibility studies were used to identify the development site that could also complement areas of future growth.

This design is the result of extensive and ongoing design consultation with students, University staff, architectural and engineering experts, and industry professionals.

Green Footprint

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

The design includes:
•    Solar penetration and natural ventilation
•    View corridors
•    Retention of significant trees
•    Building flexibility
•    Solar power/hot water
•    Secure bicycle storage
•    Produce garden
•    Rainwater capture and re-use

For each new design element, reducing the development footprint was a high priority for our expert consultant team.
The multi-disciplinary team included architects with a proven track record in environmentally sensitive design and student accomodation.
The development respects and reinforces the bushland campus setting.
Native planting will complement the precinct and pathways used to protect existing flora.