Perth Uni Wins Approval for $200m Science Building

Planning authorities have given Perth’s Curtin University the green light for a $200-million, six-storey science building.

The Metro Inner-South DAP approved the development north of Brand Drive at Victoria Park at its meeting on March 13.

The site is near the Faculties of Health Sciences and Science and Engineering within the university campus. 

It will provide 22,111sq m of academic floor space, including teaching laboratories, research facilities, and the WA School of Mines, as well as links to Wark Avenue. 

Once complete, it will accommodate 1542 people, comprising 1019 students and 303 staff. 

It fits into Curtin’s campus masterplan aimed at creating an “innovative and competitive knowledge environment”. 

“The proposal will create a diversified mixed-use activity centre and enhance educational services associated with the university,” the development application said.

Curtin University is the largest university in Western Australia, with more than 50,000 students. 

Perth has seen an uptick in student accommodation and university development as international students return to Australia’s shores. This includes Accord Property filing plans to expand its existing PBSA by nearly 100 beds to meet demand, and UniLodge last year proposing an 832-bed tower.