The University of Sydney has recently invested in a multi-million dollar student accommodation programme to deal with the current shortfall in space.

Space has always been at a premium in Sydney, and especially so in the student market where there is a distinct lack of quality, affordable accommodation.

One of Australia’s leading construction and fitout specialists, FDC Construction and Fitout is executing the renovation work at the Queen Mary Building in Camperdown with the 14-month project due to be completed in May 2015.

The former nursing quarters will be converted into 804 fully refurbished bedrooms, along with living quarters, common areas and recreational facilities. It will also include a semi-commercial kitchen designed to deal with the demands of a large number of residents. Significant work will also be carried out on the structure to meet compliance requirements for earthquake in addition to a total services infrastructure overhaul.

Ben Cottle, Managing Director of FDC comments that the project will create a number of stunning, affordable student accommodation units in the heart of Sydney, and is a step in the right direction to tackling the ongoing shortage.

Formerly the nursing quarters for the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, the building is situated only five minutes from campus grounds. Decommissioned in 2005, the building has remained vacant until it was purchased in 2013 by the University of Sydney.

Ben explained that FDC secured the project after a very competitive tender process. FDC has been liaising closely with architects Nettleton Tribe to create a bespoke, contemporary design that suits the needs of the end users. By utilising the existing framework of the building, the overall build time has been reduced, ensuring minimal disruption to existing residents, while significantly reducing costs.

Dr Michael Spence, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney observes that the redevelopment will provide much needed accommodation for both domestic and international students in a supported environment to alleviate the affordable student accommodation crisis and add further to the vibrancy of the community.