A global leader in sustainable development is planning to invest $110 million on an ambitious student accommodation venture in Newcastle’s west end.

It’s expected pupils will move into the premises, subject to DA approval, in time for semester one in January 2025.

The project also includes the heritage adaptation of the Cambridge Hotel and integration of the original building into a top-notch food and beverage venue, some additional service retail and the first floor hotel rooms into the student common areas.

Linkcity Australia managing director Nicolas Swiderski admitted the company had been looking for a site in Newcastle for a few years.

“This one [location] is perfect,” he said.

“It will be operationally carbon neutral, have solar panels on the rooftop and is targeting a 5-star Green Star certification.

“The project aligns with the 2041 Hunter Regional plan for a 15-minute city, with the students having a very short commute to the University of Newcastle NUSpace and Honeysuckle Campuses either walking, bike riding or one light rail stop.

“Additionally, they’ll be able to hop on the train two stops to the traditional Callaghan campus.

“There is also a hotel next door for visiting friends and relatives.

“Our goal is to create a safe sanctuary for young people that may be living away from home for the first time.”

Mr Swiderski said Linkcity would partner with UniLodge to achieve their objective.

“Providing more student accommodation in the city centre is a priority action for the city’s revitalisation and the redevelopment of this site delivers on that action in spades,” he stated.

“By providing 500 additional beds, it will hopefully also free up some of the rental housing stock, which is in such high demand.

“If approved, this will be first purpose-built accommodation for students in the city centre.

“These pupils will bring a new vibrancy to the Newcastle CBD, spending money, eating out and also looking for part-time employment.

“It’ll be a long-term economic lift for the CBD.”

The development team at Linkcity is also working very hard on reducing the embodied carbon levels and will have a final target set before formal DA lodgement.

“This area is transforming with extensive high-density residential living approved for the former Store site and student accommodation is aligned to the changes happening in the area,” Mr Swiderski said.

“There is a real opportunity for businesses to start thinking about how to best support the influx of pupils to the area.

“Our current program is to start construction mid-2023.”

Linkcity and Unilodge have a strong focus on student mental wellbeing, too.

The proposed development will boast more than 1,000sqm of communal indoor spaces for pupils to congregate, study together, cook for a dozen friends or enjoy some down time.

In addition, there will be in excess of 600sqm of private outdoor spaces for the students to enjoy a BBQ, studying with the sun on their backs or a friendly game of table tennis.

“We are pleased to be working with Linkcity on this fantastic project in Newcastle,” Unilodge executive chairman Peter Bates said.

“We are combining our 25 years of management experience in Australia with their international development experience to design and deliver a product that meets the needs of students living, recreation and wellbeing requirements.”

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.