JCU seeks builder for multimillion-dollar 400+ room student accommodation
Townsville’s top ranking university is progressing with its new multimillion-dollar student accommodation building. See exclusive pictures of what the new digs may look like here.
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Townsville’s top ranking university is progressing with its new multimillion-dollar student accommodation building.
James Cook University opened expressions of interest seeking an experienced building company to construct the new seven-storey building, capable of housing more than 400 students.
JCU secured a $46 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) to build the complex in March.
The previous accommodation block was destroyed in a fire in April last year, forcing more than 200 students to sleep in the campus dining hall.
The “tropical climate driven” building will have a total of 403 rooms, including 314 study room, 72 rooms with ensuites and 17 accessible rooms. It will also have a central self-catered kitchen.
It is planned the new accommodation block will be open for students by January 2022.
The construction budget is $40 million.
The NAIF loan was the fourth secured in Townsville, and the second for JCU, bringing the total NAIF investment in the city to $214 million.
It is hoped the new accommodation complex will help attract more students to the university, both domestic and international.
The residence, located next to JCU’s Technology Innovation Complex, is expected to tip $140.2 million into the Townsville economy over 30 years.
Originally published as JCU seeks builder for multimillion-dollar 400+ room student accommodation