More student accommodation set for St Lucia

Construction is set to begin on a 1,000-bed student accommodation complex at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus.

The $285 million development in Walcott Street has been enabled through a Queensland Treasury Corporation loan with building to start in October. 

Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry AC said the complex was expected to open for Semester 2 in 2027 and would more than double the number of UQ-owned student accommodation places at St Lucia.

“The project will complement the range of options already available through UQ-owned accommodation and the 10 affiliated residential colleges, taking the number of on-campus places to more than 4,500,” Professor Terry said.

“Increasing this pool of suitable accommodation is particularly important for those commencing students who are joining us from regional and remote areas of Queensland, as well as those from overseas.

“We appreciate the confidence shown in the sector as we strive to provide the best possible student experience now and into the future.”

The Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick MP visited the St Lucia campus to announce the project.  

“Our Government is committed to doing pulling every available policy lever when it comes to making it fairer and more affordable to find a place to live,” he said.

“That’s why I wrote to University Vice Chancellors last year, advising them our Government stood ready to support additional borrowings they may make to fund the construction of new student housing.

“I’m pleased to see The University of Queensland take up that offer through a Queensland Treasury Corporation loan to expedite delivery of this project.

“I look forward to this new students accommodation being as popular as the nearby 610-bed Kev Carmody House, which has remained at 100 per cent occupancy since it opened.”

The complex will be made up of 3 buildings of 6 to 10 storeys, with a diverse mix of spaces for use by students including self-contained apartments.

All rooms will have ensuites and air conditioning, central cooking and laundry facilities and access to shared study spaces, a pool, gym and yoga facilities, game and music rooms, landscaped outdoor areas and 24/7 concierge.

Professor Terry said additional accommodation scholarships would be offered as part of UQ’s commitment to increase access to higher education for Queensland students from regional, remote and low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

Read project updates here.