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ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has turned the first sod at the site of the new student accommodation at the University of Canberra.

The new building will meet the growing demand for accommodation at the University, providing 300 extra beds in the first semester of 2009 and a further 207 beds completed by semester two 2009.

Mr Stanhope applauded the development saying it will assist in easing the general shortage of accommodation in the ACT.

“It is difficult to provide affordable accommodation for students and the University is responding to those needs with these 500 beds. This will allow the University to grow and develop and free up rental property in the market place.

“These residences also fit very well within the existing landscape and further embed the University in the community which is consistent with my vision for the University”, Mr Stanhope said.

University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker welcomed the development.

“This new accommodation will make it easier for students from the capital region, around Australia and overseas to study at Australia’s Capital University, the University of Canberra. Plus by appointing Campus Living Villages (CLV) specialists in university accommodation to run the residences, we are able to concentrate more of our resources on our core business of teaching and research,” Professor Parker said.

Campus Living Villages runs accommodation for almost 7000 students at universities across Australia and New Zealand.

Ian Rothwell CEO of Campus Living Villages, said, “We are very pleased to be establishing this long term partnership with the University of Canberra. We believe on campus accommodation enhances the student experience at university and CLV supports its residents with a wide range of complementary activities.”

The new five-star energy efficiency rated residences will feature the latest passive solar designs, grey water recycling and a ‘wildlife corridor’ for the campus native animals. Students will be able to choose between a room in a five-bedroom apartment or their own studio. The development includes shared barbecue areas, common lounges, balconies and green areas to encourage a sense of community.

The new residence complex has been designed by architects May and Russell. Lead architect is University of Canberra graduate Peter May and will be built by local building company PBS Building.

article originally published by Monitor Online