Huge boost for student accommodation

A concept image of the University of Adelaide Village
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What the student accommodation might look like indoors
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Tuesday, 20 July 2004

The University of Adelaide today began work on a substantial, city student village to provide accommodation for local, rural, interstate and international students.

Located in Grote Street in the city, construction of the 400-bed village is due to be completed in February 2006, with the first townhouses due to come on line as early as July next year.

The University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor James McWha, says the Village has been designed to create a relaxed, friendly environment with landscaped gardens, open spaces and community facilities.

"The University of Adelaide Village will set the world standard for university accommodation with the emphasis on student well being and community development," he says.

"It will not only be a place to live while at University, but also become a true home for the students."

Facilities include student common rooms, a landscaped Village Green and barbeque areas.

An ongoing program of social events is being planned and services will include academic tutoring, counselling, an after-hours shuttle bus and security protection.

Turning the first sod at the site today, State Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education Steph Key has commended the University for acting to provide centrally located, quality accommodation for students in the City.

"Nestled in the city's West End precinct, the Village is a 20-minute walk to the North Terrace campus or a 10-minute free, city bus-ride away," she says.

"The Village will be also be close to the Adelaide's famous Central Market and the Gouger Street restaurant strip, so students living in the Village will have access to a great range of fresh food, they'll be in close walking distance to the uni and the Parklands and they'll have safe and secure accommodation. These are all things that help when you're away from home."

Minister Key says the latest enrolment figures for 2004 from Australian Education International show a 15% rise in the number of international students coming to Adelaide to study this year, compared with a 6% national rise.

In 2003, student enrolments were up by 22%, compared with 10% nationally. This includes the University of Adelaide experiencing a 25% growth for 2003-2004.

"We are again outperforming the rest of Australia in attracting more students here," the Minister says.

"The star performers this year are the Vocational Education and Training sector and Higher Education sector, with rises of 28% and 22% respectively.

"Our State Strategic Plan goal is to double SA's share of overseas students within the next 10 years and this boost to student accommodation will support these efforts.

"Australia is now seeing exceptional growth in university students coming from India and China and the South Australian Government is working closely with Education Adelaide, our universities and other education institutions to move into this important growth market."

Professor McWha says the University of Adelaide Village accommodation will come on line in two stages.

"Stage One of the Village will be delivered in July 2005 and consists of 33 townhouses that differ in design and size. Many of the townhouses are four stories with decks and rooftop gardens," he says.

"The living area for each townhouse is on a separate floor to the bedrooms ensuring peace and quiet is always maintained.

"Stage Two will be completed in February 2006 and will contain 18 townhouses plus a six-storey apartment building consisting of 39 apartments."

Professor McWha says the personal security of the Village residents is one of the University's highest priorities.

"Access into the Village will only be possible with the use of the resident's identification card. Closed-circuit TV cameras and an after-hours onsite guard will assist us in maintaining a high standard of security," he says.

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