News Archive

University Hall - one of the largest capital projects undertaken by UWA in the past decade - has opened its doors to a new generation of students who will live and study on campus.

Construction on the major development began in October 2011, and in March this year, less than one-and-a-half years later, University Hall welcomed more than 500 new residents.

The project included the construction of three new accommodation buildings and facilities including media, games and music rooms, undercroft parking and bike storage. New landscaped courtyards have also been constructed, featuring recycled timber decking and outdoor furniture.

The significant scale and timeframe for the delivery of the development required coordination of many teams across the University to make it a success.

The Campus Development team delivered the construction project, with support from many others within the Office of Finance and Resources including University Hall, Financial Services and Facilities Management. The University Club also delivered a new dining hall within the existing facilities. Other areas within UWA involved in the project included Legal Services, Public Affairs and Information Services.

The development, supported by the Australian and State Governments under the National Rental Affordability Scheme, required the team at University Hall to introduce new processes and operations to manage the increase in students living on campus.

UWA Director Student Residences Chris Massey said the project teams involved all worked towards a common goal - to deliver the development at an extremely high standard.

"As a result, the feedback we have received from residents has been outstanding, with everybody impressed by the quality of the rooms, fit-out and facilities," he said.

"It's been a major undertaking and remaining focused on the outcomes as well as maintaining a positive experience for existing residents was a priority."

Residential rooms in the Hall were completed in March, enabling residents to move into the new accommodation during Semester 1, while the contractor finalised landscaping, common room fit outs and internal road works during April.

Some of the accommodation was not quite ready for the start of semester, but the University assisted residents with alternative accommodation and reports are that it was a smooth transition.

An official opening will take place later in the year.