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A state significant development application proposing a nine-storey student accommodation building has been submitted by the University of Newcastle to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The student housing complex will form part of a masterplan that proposed the development of seven new university buildings over a 10-year period in the Honeysuckle Precinct. The building was designed by Architectus to house over 400 beds for both domestic and international students.

According to the design statement, the proposed concept aims to cultivate a sense of community by providing students and staff with welcoming spaces for social interaction, such as communal areas positioned outside the lift core on every floor. Additionally, the design aims to foster wellbeing through the integration of greenery and a layout that organises residences around a naturally ventilated central corridor. The ground level will feature activity spaces, including a music room and areas for cooking, dining, recreation and administration. Also on the ground floor, 130 sqm has been dedicated to retail amenity.

MBC Group were engaged by Architectus to provide certification and consultancy services prior to the SSDA submission.