The University of Canberra has announced plans for a US$1.3bn "cutting-edge", sustainable residential development.
The university has signed a contract with CIC Australia, a local subsidiary of Australian real estate developer Peet.
The multi-stage development will include the construction of 3,300 residences and a mix of units and townhouses built over a 15-to-20 year period.
The university has agreed with the Australian Capital Territory government that a maximum of 200 dwellings will be released each year starting in 2017.
The project will fund a new professor position in urban design and it will also be a reference site for research projects in housing design, urban design and public health.
Stephen Parker (pictured), vice-chancellor of the university, said: "Students studying architecture, landscape architecture, building and construction management, urban planning and other relevant disciplines will be involved in project working, making this probably the largest work-integrated learning project in the history of Australian higher education.
"Staff and students will work with the developers, pursuant to a Collaboration Agreement, to generate an evidence-based new way of urban living.
"This residential development, which is part of the University’s Campus Community precinct, will see a mix of students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the general public living in a modern, progressive, sustainable, edgy community."
Image: Stephen Parker (centre) shakes hands with Peet boss Brendan Gore at the signing of the agreement (Claudia Doman)
