Stephanie Anderson August 16, 2012
Planning stages ... the University of Canberra wants to build an 8-storey $37 million building to house students. Photo: Supplied
The University of Canberra is preparing to shell out more than $37 million to build new on-campus student accommodation.
A development application lodged with ACTPLA outlines the multi-million dollar proposal, comprising of an eight storey main wing and five storey annex, connected by bridge links.
The development is part of the university's 2012 Campus Master Plan, which aims to provide 50 per cent of out-of-town students with on-campus accommodation by the end of 2015.
If approved the new building will have the potential to accommodate a further 417 students, bringing the total on-campus tally to 1916.
The complex will house 297 apartments, ranging from standard studios to five bedroom units. Retail and services will be spread across the non-residential ground floor on the block bounded by Ginninderra Drive, Haydon Drive, Aikman Drive and College Street.
The application also includes three separate bike sheds and three new campus car parking areas, replacing the 134 car spaces currently on site.
At an estimated cost of $37.57 million, the proposal also includes the demolition of the existing car park and air conditioning plant on the site and the construction of a new road.