Following the purchase of the former Salvation Army Training College in Royal Parade, Parkville, the
University of Melbourne aims to increase its student accommodation facilities.
The university’s strategic rationale includes the strategy of providing at least 2,000 new beds by 2020 through an 11 storey tower at 303-305 Royal Parade and five terrace houses at 80-90 The Avenue.
The former Salvation Army site is situated within walking distance to the Parkville campus and the university’s Senior Vice-Principal Ian Marshman told The Age, that the purchase was in line with the university's ambition to offer a student experience of “unmatched quality”.
“Securing these buildings is about more than increasing the University’s number of student beds: they will support its central educational, engagement and equity mission,” Mr Marshman said.
“Affordable student housing is essential to the student experience, and the cost of accommodation is one of the key factors adversely affecting it.
“These new facilities will further the University’s reputation as an internationally outstanding institution at which to study and work.”
Mr Marshman described the development as a rare opportunity to secure appropriate property near the university’s Parkville Campus.
