Developers hope the expanded Currie Hall will be awarded a five star green rating.

And as demolition begins, the development is already heading in the right direction.

Shrubs are being transplanted on other University properties and any trees removed in the process will be milled to build decking and seating.

Work will continue on the site, the only residential college owned and run by the University, for the next 12 months. It is expected the new accommodation will be ready for the start of 2013, the centenary year. Currie Hall will then accommodate up to 750 students. It currently houses 250.

The development is supported by the Federal and State Governments, under the National Rental Affordability Scheme, to provide affordable accommodation for students.

Currie Hall principal Chris Massey said the new buildings would provide excellent access for residents with disabilities.

Campus Development (Office of Finance and Resources) is managing the project with the Currie Hall team.

One building is being demolished and three new ones will be erected: a five storey, a six storey and one with seven, offering a mix of studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments.

The six storey-building on the south west corner of the site will be topped with a tower to complement Winthrop Tower and create a new landmark entrance. Landscaping is designed to extend the ‘campus in the park' north of Stirling Highway.

"The development of high-quality student accommodation is in line with the University's priority to enhance the UWA student experience," Mr Massey said.

"Living on campus is part of that, allowing students to become fully involved in the intellectual and cultural activities of the University."

Underground parking for 182 cars is part of the plan but, perhaps more importantly, it will include bicycle storage for 200 bikes, to encourage students to use alternative transport.

The Currie Hall expansion is the first stage of the 1,000 dwelling Government-subsidised development. St Catherine's College will build another 235 rooms and the remaining housing is still in the planning stages.

Published in UWA News, 28 November 2011