Construction begins on University of Newcastle’s 445-bed City Campus student accommodation

5 September 2025

newy.com.au – Construction began on Friday 5 September 2025 on the University of Newcastle’s City Campus Student Accommodation at the corner of Civic Lane and Worth Place in Newcastle’s CBD, marked by a sod‑turning ceremony.

The nine‑storey project will add about 445 purpose‑built student beds close to the city campus, with the University saying the development will support domestic and international students and help relieve pressure in a challenging rental market. The building is the next stage of the University’s Honeysuckle site and forms part of efforts to keep young people studying, living and working in the region.

Federal member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said the start of construction marked an important milestone for the city’s education offering. “High-quality student accommodation is essential to attracting and supporting students from across Australia and the world. This development means students can live close to campus, close to work, and close to all that Newcastle has to offer.”

Designed by Architectus, the building will offer a mix of micro studios, studios, twin rooms and six‑bed shared apartments. Each option will include kitchen and bathroom facilities, with access to shared living areas, an outdoor terrace, dining spaces and laundry rooms. The University said there will be indoor and outdoor communal spaces and dedicated facilities for University support staff.

According to the University, accommodation will be delivered across levels one to eight, with the project targeting a 5‑star Green Star Design & As Built rating. The gross floor area is estimated at about 10,765 square metres. At peak construction, up to 180 people are expected to be working on site, and 13 University of Newcastle alumni are part of the construction delivery management team.

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley MP said the project would help the region retain talent. “This new accommodation is about giving students not just a place to live, but a strong reason to choose Newcastle as the place to launch their future – great news for the whole Hunter and something I’m proud to support.” She added: “This is going to help build lasting connections between students, the university and the region – sending a clear message that our region isn’t just a place to study, but a place they can genuinely call home well into the future,” Catley said.

University of Newcastle Vice‑Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO described the sod turn as a major milestone for Newcastle and the region. “Our new student accommodation will provide a lively, comfortable and supportive home away from home for both domestic and international students in the heart of Newcastle. We know that our students who live on campus do consistently well academically, so providing a new high-quality and engaging space will mean our students who live here will have a space that will help them achieve their potential.”

Zelinsky said the project aligns with the University’s anniversary year and longer‑term plans for the waterfront precinct. “As the University celebrates 60 years, the City Campus Student Accommodation is the next phase of our Honeysuckle site development and represents our ongoing commitment to improving the student experience.” He said the new supply was also aimed at easing housing pressures for students. “This development will also assist in providing a new accommodation option for students who may otherwise struggle to find suitable accommodation in the challenging rental market,” Zelinsky said.

The build is being delivered by Hansen Yuncken and is fully funded by the University of Newcastle, with completion expected by early 2027.

Works are now under way, and the University said further updates on the City Campus Student Accommodation would be provided through its website as the project progresses.