Postgrad Village gets the green light

The development of a new 319-bed postgraduate residential village at New College is underway, following approval by Randwick Council last month.

Catering exclusively to postgraduate residents, the New College Postgraduate Village is a first within Australian higher education. The Village features mixed accommodation, including shared apartments and studio apartments. Amenities include a business centre, common rooms on each floor, games room, library, outdoor courtyards and a convenience store.

New College Master and CEO, Professor Trevor Cairney, says the Village will create a community for postgraduate students on campus and residents will benefit from academic support and assistance from tutors in key discipline areas.

Builders Lipman Pty Ltd have been contracted to construct the seven-floor U-shaped design, which is located on the south-east corner of the western campus at Day Ave and Anzac Parade, diagonally opposite the current New College.

The building has been designed to maximise environmental efficiency.

“There are a number of energy-saving elements being employed in the design,” said Professor Cairney. “We’re retaining all storm water from the building and reusing it for toilets and gardens, so that no water should go into storm water drains.

“In addition, the designers have tried to reduce the impacts of warming from the sun and the use of awnings will reduce the need for air conditioning. Other measures are in place to reduce the need for heating in the cooler months.”

The building will also incorporate energy-saving devices to try and reduce electricity and gas use, thus reducing greenhouse impacts.

Completion of the project is scheduled for early 2009.

For more information about the development, go to: http://www.newcollege.unsw.edu.au/postgraduatevillage.html

Architect's impression of the New College Postgraduate Village