Precinct opens its doors
A $54m accommodation precinct will now house hundreds of university students, after the project faced months of delays which resulted in students moving in while construction was ongoing.
Operated by Unilodge, the Burralga Yumba building at James Cook University’s Bebegu Yuma campus in Douglas features more than 400 bedrooms and facilities including a self-catered kitchen and dining space, a dine-in and takeaway restaurant Canto Kitchen & Bar, a theatre and sports lounge.
The restaurant will be open for students, staff and the community. James Cook University in 2020 secured a $46 million loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure for the project.
The project was tipped to alleviate student housing shortages after the destruction of the Ab and B blocks of the University Hall in 2019.
But the project was not without its setbacks.
The Bulletin in February this year reported that despite delays in construction, students had already moved into the building.
Rooms continued to be advertised on Unilodge’s website for $250-$300 per week at that time.
Almost 350 jobs were generated during construction, with the total net public benefit to the Townsville economy estimated at $140.2 million over the next three decades.
JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said he was delighted at the university’s modern accommodation offering for domestic and international students.
“The Roof Garden Sky Lounge also offers impressive views of the Bebegu Yuma campus, Mt Stuart and Magnetic Island,” Mr Biggs said.
JCU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Services and Resources Tricia Brand said with the opening of Burralga Yumba, there were now 1500 on-campus beds available for students.
“Burralga Yumba will meet the demands and expectations of today’s students who are seeking high quality on-campus accommodation, and contribute to the creation of a vibrant and dynamic campus,” Ms Brand said.
NAIF CEO Craig Doyle said NAIF had provided close to $150 million to support construction of Burralga Yumba and JCU’S Technology Innovation Complex in Townsville.
He said the project will grow the economy in the decades to come.
The building features artworks by Delvene CockatooCollins and Brian Robinson.
BURRALGA YUMBA WILL MEET THE DEMANDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF TODAY’S STUDENTS
TRICIA BRAND