Work starts on 450-bed University of Newcastle student housing project

newy.com.au – Construction has begun on a 450 bed student accommodation development at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus, with the first residents expected to move in during semester two of 2028.

The eight-storey, timber framed building will contain single studios and shared six-bedroom living clusters, as well as communal study and social areas. The university has described the accommodation as affordable

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery joined University of Newcastle representatives and construction partner Hansen Yuncken for a ceremonial first sod on Monday 31 August 2026.

The project is intended to increase the supply of on campus housing for domestic, regional and international students amid growing demand for accommodation.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said living on campus could help students remain connected to their studies.

“We know students who live on campus are more likely to remain engaged with their studies and achieve strong academic outcomes,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“This development will strengthen the student experience at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus while helping to address accommodation pressures facing students.”

The Lyons Architecture designed building will include consultation rooms, study areas and 101 bicycle parking spaces, including facilities for charging electric bikes. Three electric vehicle charging spaces will also be provided on campus.

The university said the building had been designed to achieve a five-star Green Star rating, an independent measure of a building’s sustainability. That rating has not yet been awarded.

Ms Hornery said the additional beds would increase access to accommodation close to students’ classes.

“This is a significant project for our region and a welcome boost to student housing in Newcastle,” she said.

“The University of Newcastle attracts students from across NSW, Australia and overseas, and it is essential that students have access to safe, affordable and high-quality accommodation close to where they study.”