University of Queensland reveals plans, hopes to start construction on new student housing next year

A huge planned student housing facility is set to at least double the University of Queensland’s onsite student accommodation, it can be revealed.

The University of Queensland has unveiled plans for a massive new student housing development at its Brisbane campus, with hopes construction will start next year.

The proposed accommodation complex is set to include three buildings, five to nine storeys high, with current plans aiming to have them built and opened for the start of 2026.

While designs and costings have not yet been finalised, the university would look to at least double the current 740 student accommodation places it owns on the St Lucia campus, through the construction of the new residential complex.

An artist's impression of the planned new three-building student accommodation block at the University of Queensland's St Lucia campus. Photo: Supplied.

UQ opened its new 610-room Kev Carmody House at St Lucia last year, with all rooms snapped up well in advance. The university also has the existing 10 residential colleges.

The new development will go up on vacant land on Walcott Street, opposite Kev Carmody House and Cromwell College, and offer student accommodation at below-market rates.

The new accommodation will include similar features to Kev Carmody House – ensuites and airconditioning in all rooms, central cooking facilities on each floor, a mix of study spaces, 24/7 management, and gym and games room facilities.

Several self-contained apartments will also be included in the new construction.

The planned development will be on vacant land (left) on Walcott Street, opposite Kev Carmody House (right). Photo: Google Maps.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said UQ’s feasibility study found demand for specialty student accommodation would continue to increase in the coming years.

“Vacancy rates for rental accommodation in Brisbane are at record low levels and the supply of purpose-built student accommodation has slowed in recent years,” she said.

“This project would complement existing UQ-owned accommodation and our residential colleges, while hopefully taking some pressure off the rental market in our surrounding area.

“The University is committed to making study here more accessible for students from rural and regional areas and those from a low-socio economic background – this project will help us to deliver on that.

“We also need to accommodate our students who leave their families behind to join us from overseas.”

Professor Terry said the development will be funded through a Queensland Treasury Corporation loan and is set to be financially sustainable from the first year of operation.

A UQ spokeswoman said a number of design options are still being assessed, with a final business case likely to be put forward for approval by the UQ Senate later this year.

The university will also be consulting with Brisbane City Council on the project.