$70m funding boost for student accommodation project

Campus Living Villages (CLV) has secured a $70 million loan from the Australian Government to support the construction of a new Charles Darwin University (CDU) student accommodation building opposite the Danala | Education and Community Precinct.

The funding is being delivered through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) with support from the Federal Minister for Northern Australia, the Hon Madeleine King, who visited the University’s newest campus on Wednesday.

The new student accommodation building – expected to house 352 students – will be located across the road from the campus on a part of the site at 56 Woods Street Darwin. The land was provided to the University, in 2024, under a Crown Lease from the Northern Territory Government.

The loan will also be used to refurbish existing accommodation at CDU’s Casuarina campus, delivering an additional 50 student beds.

CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Fiona Coulson welcomed the Australian Government’s support for the project.

Professor Coulson said the accommodation building would bolster the University’s ability to attract students, support local employment opportunities, and contribute to the Northern Territory’s long-term economic goals.

“The student cohort at the Danala | Education and Community Precinct is growing, and it’s important our purpose-built accommodation offerings expand alongside them,” Professor Coulson said.

“Ensuring students have access to a safe living environment throughout their learning journey means graduates will be more likely to reach their goals, have a positive experience in the Northern Territory, and contribute to our communities and industries.”

Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia and Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM, said the investment would help unlock the next stage of growth for Darwin.

“Darwin’s growing and we need the infrastructure to keep up - that includes making sure students have a place to live close to where they study,” Mr Gosling said.

“This NAIF investment, supported by the Australian Government, will deliver hundreds of new beds, take pressure off the rental market and back local jobs during construction and beyond.

“It also means more people can come to the Territory, get their qualifications here and build their lives here - which is exactly how we grow a stronger north.”

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the Finocchiaro CLP Government welcomed the latest step towards increased student accommodation in Darwin.

“Our government granted a four-year Crown Lease Term to enable Charles Darwin University, together with its delivery partner Campus Village Living, to commence the delivery of this much-needed student accommodation, which we know is in high demand and short supply here in the Darwin CBD,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“This lease provided the certainty required to begin construction, along with a clear pathway to transition to a longer‑term lease when works are complete.

“Access to accommodation is essential so more students can move to the Northern Territory, complete their studies, and put down roots here in our great region.”