CDU partners with Campus Living Villages to deliver city student accommodation

Charles Darwin University has brought on a new partner for its city-based student accommodation as a new build moves one step closer to reality.

Artist's impression of the Woods St student accommodation building for Charles Darwin University.

Charles Darwin University has brought on a new partner for its city-based student accommodation as the new build gets one step closer to reality.

Campus Living Villages will manage the living requirements of about 350 students housed in a new Woods Street accommodation hub.

CDU Vice-Chancellor and president Scott Bowman said the partnership meant the university could pool resources and address the growing demand for student accommodation in the Northern Territory.

It comes after the NT Government last month signed off on transferring crown land at 56 Woods St to the university for the project, across the road from the CDU city campus and on the site of the old Darwin Primary School.

Charles Darwin University Vice-Chancellor and President Scott Bowman and CLV Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John Schroder announce a partnership to develop and manage the pending student accommodation block in the city. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Bowman said the accommodation would be “designed and purpose-built” for Darwin’s unique environment.

“CDU has a goal of having 6000 international students by 2027, and this new accommodation will help support this goal and future goals as well as provide a safe space that supports our diverse student community,” he said.

“This partnership with CLV aligns well with our desire to enhance the student experience within a supportive learning environment.”

Mr Bowman said the building plans would not be impacting the old structures and trees on the block.

But he said the singular tower would not be enough to relieve students’ living pressures.

“I am expecting that we will need more going into the future,” he said.

“This is the first tower, but I think there could be more towers going up.

“I think there could be commercial (buildings) repurposed and there could be – for some students who would rather be with a family – some homestay opportunities.”

It is expected the accommodation block will be complete in about two years.

CLV Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John Schroder. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

CLV currently manages more than 24,000 beds across 46 villages in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

CLV Group managing director and CEO John Schroder said the organisation was “passionate” about helping the university build an enriching environment for students.

Mr Schroder said the organisation would help CDU build a community that “embraces and promotes student care and safety, diversity, and inclusion”.

He said the village’s contemporary design would be “very digitally activated in a range of room types”.

Mr Schroder said he expected to make the accommodation offerings affordable for students, and estimated the rooms would be about 25 per cent cheaper than nearby apartment blocks.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the accommodation would play a key role in the NT economy’s future.

“CDU’s city campus is aimed at helping make the Darwin CBD more vibrant and having student accommodation nearby makes it easier for students to get the training and skills they need to get highly skilled jobs in the Territory,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“International students contribute $169 million to our economy and while studying, students play a big role in the workforce to the Territory.

“Having them live, work and study in the CBD is a big boost.”

Originally published as CDU partners with Campus Living Villages to deliver city student accommodation