With the five UNE-operated residential colleges nearing capacity in 2026, and acknowledging that infrastructure is ageing, UNE is considering a range of options to renew infrastructure in Armidale and support the student experience
An expression of interest (EOI) to develop the land near and around the vacant Wright Centre – a 5.5-hectare site within the college complex – has been offered to market to explore all options.
The intention of this project is to deliver up to1500 beds in one or more stages. The EOI explores the possibility of partnering with the private sector to enhance physical infrastructure and provide for the students of tomorrow.
“We welcome a conversation with potential providers through this EOI. We’d love to work with someone with passion for the future of education,” said UNE Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Moran.
“Many alumni describe their on-campus experience as one of the highlights of their UNE studies and we want to afford more students this opportunity.
“The proposed development will create a safe and supportive living environment and deliver flexibility to meet the evolving needs of our students and our university,” he said.
The development of infrastructure is central to UNE’s 2026-35 Strategic Plan; in it UNE has highlighted the importance of beginning the significant process of retiring ageing infrastructure and investing in new facilities to attract learners and partners.
“Our strategic plan commits us to take an unconventional approach to additional revenue and funding infrastructure improvements. Accordingly, this EOI intends to open the conversation about a range of options to finance and operate residential accommodation,” said Professor Moran.
The EOI is publicly advertised, and all interested parties are invited to submit a response through TenderLink.
An online information forum will be held on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to register by emailing cooadministration@une.edu.au.
If you require assistance registering for or navigating the TenderLink platform, please contact the TenderLink Support Team on 1800 233 533 or via email at support@tenderlink.com.
For more information contact Ms Gaynor Martin, Associate Director Capital Asset Management gmarti10@une.edu.au
FAQ
- What is this project about?
UNE is seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified organisations to design, develop, and potentially operate a new student accommodation facility on its Armidale Bellevue campus. The project will deliver contemporary student accommodation with capacity for up to 1500 beds, complementing UNE's existing 1,500 rooms across five colleges, incorporating mixed catering options.
- Where is the site located?
The site is located at 60 Madgwick Drive, Armidale, within UNE's main Armidale campus, approximately 2km from the Armidale CBD and 6.5km from Armidale Airport. The site covers approximately 5.5 hectares and is bounded by Elm Avenue to the east, Meredith Road to the south, and Abbott Road.
- What does this mean for the existing college buildings?
UNE currently has approximately 1,500 existing beds across five UNE-operated colleges. This development will complement these offerings and address a strategic gap in our portfolio. The University is not at the stage where there are definitive plans. The responses to the EOI will help develop these.
UNE’s preference is for a scale and physical layout that allows for the distinct identification of individual college communities.
The refurbishing of the buildings housing Robb College is well underway and expected to be completed in 2027.
- What is the vision for this development?
UNE seeks a vibrant, safe, and commercially sustainable living environment that primarily serves UNE students with flexibility for compatible university-related uses - short-term and medium-term housing for staff and their families, post graduate students, visiting academics, researchers, conference attendees, and other official visitors to UNE.
- What accommodation types are being sought?
The EOI outlines a mix of modern, apartment-style living, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, four-bedroom villas, and other shared configurations.
- What is the timeline for this project?
The EOI process includes:
- EOI issued: 30 July 2026
- EOI submissions close: 11 September 2026
- What happens to the existing Wright Centre building on the site?
The site currently features a two-storey building known as the Wright Centre, which is not currently utilised. The successful respondent may choose to demolish it as part of the project or refurbish and repurpose it for an ancillary use.
- What considerations are there for the natural environment of the site?
A high standard of environmental sustainability is a core requirement of the EOI, with the development aiming to achieve a minimum 5-star Green Star (Design & As-Built) rating. The design must prioritise energy and water efficiency, passive design principles, and the use of sustainable materials. The development must also demonstrate a clear strategy for protecting and enhancing the site’s ecological value, specifically by preserving significant trees and having regard for existing wildlife habitats and corridors.
