University of Newcastle unveils second Honeysuckle campus project

The University of Newcastle has unveiled a concept design for a proposed student accommodation complex at its city campus in the heart of Muluubinba/Newcastle.

The concept by Architectus proposes a nine-storey building on the corner of Worth Place and Civic Lane in the Honeysuckle precinct near the Coquun/Hunter River waterfront.

The complex will accommodate up to 450 students, and will also include outdoor communal spaces and ground floor retail spaces.

"We want to make sure this project is designed to provide contemporary, supportive, and comfortable student housing; help address the increasing need for student accommodation in the region; and support our local businesses and community to thrive," said University of Newcastle vice-chancellor Alex Zelinsky.

"We are committed to expanding housing options, increasing capacity and alleviating rental pressures, and we look forward to collaborating with the community to enhance the student experience and deliver a high-quality, welcoming facility for our region."

The university has also consulted with local Indigenous stakeholders to provide input on designing a culturally safe place for future students and the community.

"Continuing to respect and celebrate the Aboriginal community's extensive cultural heritage and connection to this land is a top priority for the University from start to finish on this project," Zelinsky said.

The university is seeking community feedback on the concept design, before submitting a state-significant development application in the coming months.

The student accommodation project will be the second development at the university's Honeysuckle campus, after the completion of the Q building in 2022, designed by EJE Architecture, which houses the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences, as well as the Integrated Innovation Network.

A 2018 masterplan by Cox Architecture called for seven new buildings at the Honeysuckle campus.