New university accommodation to ease housing pressure on students in Lismore

NEW student accommodation is expected to ease housing pressure in the Northern Rivers, with a 27-unit complex for Southern Cross University nearing completion in Lismore.

The student accommodation development is in the final stages of refurbishment after suffering extensive damage during the 2022 floods, which inundated ground-floor apartments with around half a metre of water.

The redevelopment includes 21 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments and has been designed with flood resilience, sustainability and long-term durability in mind.

Features include careful material selection, energy-efficient fittings and robust construction methods.

The project is expected to encourage students to return to Lismore, supporting the city’s housing, retail and hospitality sectors.

Southern Cross University vice-chancellor professor Tyrone Carlin said the refurbishment was about supporting both students and the local economy.

“This refurbishment is about increasing student amenity and capacity, but also about backing our local economy and local community,” professor Carlin said.

An artist impression of what the accommodation building will look like when its finished this month. Photo: SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY

“It’s being delivered by a local contractor, using local tradies and suppliers.

“This is a boost for Lismore’s economy right now, and it will continue to benefit the city as students move into these apartments in the coming weeks and become part of the community for years to come.”

Professor Carlin was joined on a tour of the site by Lismore MP Janelle Saffin and local builder Joel Jensen.

Saffin said the redevelopment marked another important milestone in Lismore’s flood recovery while helping to address the region’s student housing shortage.

“Having student accommodation is a great experience for students living on campus, and it also takes pressure off the Lismore rental market,” she said.

“The added bonus is that this project has supported our local economy, with the university engaging a local builder who uses local contractors and employs local people.”