The Joint Regional Planning Panel has approved the develop-ment of a new residential college for the University of New England.
The new college development involves the construction of four two-storey residential college buildings providing 222 new student rooms, including 10 rooms specifically designed for students with a disability. Additional car parking will also be provided for 98 cars.
“This is wonderful news, allowing the University to proceed with construction of a brand new college, as the first stage in a long-term College Redevelopment Project,” said UNE Chief Operating Officer David Cushway.
“In line with the requirements of a modern university student, each wing will also include communal kitchen facilities and rooms as part of UNE’s focus on building the on-campus student experience.
“Particularly exciting is the design of one floor and ten student rooms, specifically to accommodate people with disabilities.”
A separate building will house a bike store and workshop as an important extension of the university’s environmental sustainability policy, encouraging university students to use pedal power in preference to motor vehicles.
A call for tenders for the new college development was issued last week, with responses to be considered in March.
“The new college is the first stage in a comprehensive College Redevelopment Project, and will play a vital role in housing students during the rejuvenation of the rest of the college system,” Mr Cushway said.
