New student accommodation for CDU City Campus

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has received land in the Darwin CBD from the Northern Territory Government for the development of purpose-built student accommodation, next door to CDU’s City Campus. 

The new student accommodation building – expected to house around 350 students – will be located across the road from the campus, also known as Education and Community Precinct | Danala, on a part of the site at 56 Woods Street Darwin. 

Charles Darwin University (CDU) Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said the planned accommodation would better cater to the needs of the student community at CDU’s City Campus.

“We are thrilled with the government's decision to allocate this valuable land for student accommodation,” Professor Bowman said.

"This new accommodation is in such a convenient location to the new campus and everything Darwin city has to offer.

“Creating a safe and supportive living environment has been high on our agenda for more than two years, and we look forward to providing our new students with a safe and supportive living environment.”

Professor Bowman said arriving in Australia as an international student can be incredibly daunting.

“The new accommodation aims to support students in their transition and ensure they have the adequate housing necessary for success during their university studies,” he said.

“The Northern Territory benefits greatly from international students and the skilled migration they bring. For CDU to meet the needs of the NT and remain a comprehensive university, it is crucial to maintain a significant number of international students.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler said this agreement with CDU will ensure the next generation of Territory workers can stay near where they study, making it easier for them to get the skills they need for the career.

“More students living and studying in the CBD will also deliver a big boost to local businesses and encourage more investment in Darwin,” Ms Lawler said.

“I will always stand up to Canberra to fight for the Territory, that’s why we need to be exempt from any international student cap imposed on the East Coast or down south.”

Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, and International Education, Joel Bowden said the new accommodation will complement the campus.

“Providing this agreement to Charles Darwin University gives them certainty that there will be land in the Darwin CBD for student accommodation, which will complement the new CDU city campus.

“We will continue to lobby for more international students to the Territory. They provide so much culture to the Territory, and our community values them so much. 

“There are currently more than 5,600 international students studying in the Northern Territory contributing around $169 million each year to the Territory economy. We are aiming to grow that to 10,000 international students by 2030.”

This land includes the Old Darwin Primary School building, and the new student accommodation facility will be positioned at the Woods Street end of the land and is not planned to impact the existing building.

The Education and Community Precinct | Danala is a key part of the Darwin City Deal, bringing together the Australian and Northern Territory Governments and Charles Darwin University to achieve a shared vision for Darwin’s Central Business District.

The Australian Government has contributed $97.3 million to the $250 million campus project, and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has provided a $151.5 million loan.

Opening of the campus is expected in semester three, 2024.