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Tuesday, 6 May 2003

The University of Adelaide is on track to sell a number of its properties enabling it to develop more superior student accommodation.

In announcing this today, the University's Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha, said an additional 60 beds would be available for the start of 2004.

"Our plans are progressing well and I am confident that we will reach our target of 500 more beds within the next five years," he said. This corresponds with his comments at a University Forum last October when he said additional accommodation is required to increase overseas student numbers.

Of the properties sold, Professor McWha said that $7.4 million had already been raised including the sale of the gymnasium complex on MacKinnon Parade. He added the university now has a new health club on campus.

"In March, the Sports Hub Fitness Centre on level 5 of Union House was opened and it has proven to be a huge success with both staff and students," he said.

The fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art pin loaded machines, free weights and top-of-the-range cardio equipment. It also offers classes in aerobic, circuit and funk dance as well as courses in yoga, Tai Chi, Latin Dance and Circus.

Professor McWha added that a training venue for netball, basketball and similar sports is being developed at Thebarton.