UQ plans new student housing complex

Students at The University of Queensland will have greater choice in quality affordable accommodation, with plans for two new sustainable housing developments on the UQ St Lucia campus by 2018.

Two sites are being considered for the proposed Student Housing Project, both on the University’s campus – a vacant block on Walcott Street and an adjacent block on Hood Street.

UQ Chief Operating Officer Maurie McNarn said the University was seeking an innovative design for a high-quality student housing precinct, and had called for expressions of interest from architectural firms and head contractors.

“We will select up to six architectural firms to participate in a design competition during October, with the successful architect and contractors likely to be appointed in December.”

He said the housing precinct would offer students quality accommodation at a reasonable price.

“The objective is to make optimal, sustainable use of the two UQ campus sites to promote a cohesive sense of community,” Mr McNarn said.

“There will be limited off-street car parking, as experience has shown that students in such accommodation use fewer private cars.

“The precinct will be close to the core of UQ, public transport and local businesses.

Construction is expected to start in January 2016, with students moving in at the start of 2018.  

Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au or 3365 1120.