JCU welcomes NAIF support for new student accommodation

The seven storey building will house more than 400 students and will be located on Mount Stuart Street, adjacent to the Technology Innovation Complex.

JCU will invest more than $7m in the $53m student accommodation project, with the balance funded by the NAIF loan.

The building will be designed to provide contemporary and affordable student accommodation and will feature study bedrooms in group share accommodation, high-quality communal facilities, and a centralised, self-catered kitchen and dining space.

Vice Chancellor Professor Sandra Harding said the accommodation will be highly attractive to potential students, both domestic and international.

“This is a tremendous announcement for the future of the Townsville campus, and a significant element of our Campus Renewal Project.

“Demand for on-campus accommodation on the Townsville campus has consistently exceeded supply.

“The University has experienced strong growth in international student numbers, and we see that significant growth pattern continuing into the long term. International students expect contemporary student accommodation, and that’s what we are responding to.

“This new accommodation will meet the demands and expectations of today’s students who are seeking high quality on-campus student accommodation, and contribute to the creation of a vibrant and dynamic campus,” Prof. Harding said.

Construction is expected to be completed by January 2022.