Great outlook for 400
MORE than 400 university students will soon call Geelong’s waterfront home, thanks to the opening of Deakin’s $50 million accommodation development.
The 11-storey Brougham House building was officially opened by Deakin vice-chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander and Planning Minister Richard Wynne yesterday.
It offers a range of study and community spaces, including a rooftop terrace overlooking the bay, for students at a cost of $295 per week, including rent, all utilities, laundry and internet.
The building has capacity for 410 students, with about 160 moving in when the first stage of construction was completed earlier this year.
More students are set to move in when Trimester 2 begins, with the building expect- ed to be fully occupied by the time classes start next year.
Prof den Hollander said the offering was a key part of Deakin’s vision to provide students with an experience inclusive of everything they needed to live, work and study.
“We know that having high-quality, affordable housing close to their university campus is directly tied to student success, so we are thrilled that our students will have this state-of-the-art modern build- ing to call home, with one of the best outlooks in Victoria,” she said.
The development is moments from Deakin’s Waterfront Campus and offers students access to a free shuttle bus service to Waurn Ponds Campus and train station.
Brougham House is the university’s second student accommodation development in central Geelong, with the refurbished T & G building now home to 33 students.
“Deakin University is committed to supporting the communities we serve, which is why we are focused on ensuring Geelong is a bustling, energetic city, filled with the leaders of tomorrow,” Prof den Hollander said.
“By supporting more students to study and live in Geelong, we will enable them to make a vibrant contribution to the city well beyond attending the University for their lectures.”