Brisbane Uni Gets 1000-Bed Student Towers Under Way

Construction is to begin next week on the University of Queensland’s 1000-bed student accommodation complex as confidence in the sector picks up.

The $285-million development atWalcott Street, St Lucia comprises three buildings of 6 to 10 storeys and is expected to be open for students in mid-2027.

The project has gained support and funding from the Queensland Government, a month shy of the state elections.

Ground work is slated to begin in October.

All rooms would have ensuites and air conditioning while the buildings will offer central cookin and laundry facilities, study spaces, a pool, gym and yoga facilities, game and music rooms, landscaped outdoor areas and a concierge.

UQ vice-chancellor Deborah Terry said the project would more than double the number of university-owned student accommodation places at St Lucia.

▲ Renders of the new accommodation development that is planned to be open to students by the second semester of 2027.

“The project will complement the range of options already available through UQ-owned accommodation and the 10 affiliated residential colleges, taking the number of on-campus places to more than 4500,” Terry said.

Confidence in purpose built student accommodation is improving across South-East Queensland. 

Earlier this month plans for a 203-bed complex were filed for a site near the University of Sunshine Coast’s Petrie campus, just north of Brisbane. 

This was despite taxes on PBSA taxes being the highest in Queensland to buy or own, according to the Property Council of Australia. 

▲ A render of the three-building project at the St Lucia campus.