Construction has begun on a 450-bed student accommodation block at the University of Newcastle.
On Monday August 31, university representatives, government officials and construction partner Hansen Yuncken celebrated turning the first sod on the eight-storey development.
Expected to welcome its first students by semester two 2028, the building will include a mix of single studios and shared six-bed living clusters, as well as communal student spaces and 101 bike parking spaces.
The highest point of the building is expected to be about 30 metres.
Designed by Lyons Architecture, the building will include common areas such as games room, study spaces, a mini-cinema, a music room and a dining area.
Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said the building was significant project for the Hunter region.
"The University of Newcastle attracts students from across NSW, Australia and overseas, and it is essential that students have access to safe, affordable and high-quality accommodation close to where they study," she said.
University of Newcastle vice-chancellor Alex Zelinsky said the development would strengthen the student experience at the university and would address housing pressures that students face.
"We know students who live on campus are more likely to remain engaged with their studies and achieve strong academic outcomes," Professor Zelinsky said.
"Today's sod turn marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to providing students with affordable, high-quality accommodation," he said.
The Newcastle Herald has previously reported that the build would cost $130 million.
In September last year, construction also started on the university's city campus student accommodation on the corner of Civic Lane and Worth Place.
The nine-storey building will include 445 student beds in a range of rooms, including micro studios, studios, twin rooms and six-bed shared apartments.
The project is expected to be completed by early 2027.
