Charles Darwin University (CDU) has received a prime land parcel in the Darwin CBD from the Northern Territory government, paving the way for the development of purpose-built student accommodation next door to CDU’s City Campus.
The new student accommodation building, expected to house around 350 students, will be located across the road from the campus, also known as Education and Community Precinct | Danala, on a part of the site at 56 Woods Street Darwin.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman expressed excitement over the government’s decision, stating that the planned accommodation would better cater to the needs of the student community at CDU’s City Campus.
“This new accommodation is in such a convenient location to the new campus and everything Darwin city has to offer,” Professor Bowman said. “Creating a safe and supportive living environment has been high on our agenda for more than two years, and we look forward to providing our new students with a safe and supportive living environment.”
Professor Bowman acknowledged the challenges faced by international students arriving in Australia, emphasising the importance of providing adequate housing for their success during university studies.
“The new accommodation aims to support students in their transition and ensure they have the adequate housing necessary for success during their university studies,” he said. “The Northern Territory benefits greatly from international students and the skilled migration they bring. For CDU to meet the needs of the NT and remain a comprehensive university, it is crucial to maintain a significant number of international students.”
Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler highlighted the economic benefits of the agreement, stating that more students living and studying in the CBD will deliver a significant boost to local businesses and encourage further investment in Darwin.
“I will always stand up to Canberra to fight for the Territory, that’s why we need to be exempt from any international student cap imposed on the East Coast or down south,” Lawler said.
Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, and International Education, Joel Bowden, emphasised that the new accommodation will complement the campus, providing certainty for CDU’s future growth.
“Providing this agreement to Charles Darwin University gives them certainty that there will be land in the Darwin CBD for student accommodation, which will complement the new CDU city campus,” Bowden said.
He also highlighted the Territory’s commitment to attracting more international students, currently numbering over 5,600 and contributing around $169 million annually to the economy, with an aim to grow that number to 10,000 by 2030.
The land includes the Old Darwin Primary School building, and the new student accommodation facility will be positioned at the Woods Street end of the land, without impacting the existing building.
The Education and Community Precinct | Danala is a key part of the Darwin City Deal, bringing together the Australian and Northern Territory Governments and Charles Darwin University to achieve a shared vision for Darwin’s Central Business District.
The Australian Government has contributed $97.3 million to the $250 million campus project, and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has provided a $151.5 million loan.
The campus is expected to open in semester three of 2024.