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Edith Cowan University Opens New Inner-City Campus in Perth CBD

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ECU City Campus Opens in Perth CBD, Promising Economic Boost Amid Housing Concerns

Perth's first comprehensive inner-city university campus, Edith Cowan University (ECU) City, has officially opened in Yagan Square. Relocating from Mount Lawley, this new campus is set to introduce thousands of students and staff to the Central Business District (CBD), potentially delivering a significant economic boost for local businesses.

Campus Details

The ECU City campus is a state-of-the-art facility designed to integrate academic life with the urban environment.

  • Location: Yagan Square, strategically positioned opposite the city's entertainment and hospitality hub.
  • Cost: The project was funded through a combined effort by the university, state, and federal governments, totaling $853 million.
  • Size: The campus spans 65,000 square meters across 11 levels, offering extensive space for learning and activities.
  • Features: It houses modern facilities for business, law, and technology studies. A key attraction is the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), which plans 300 performances annually across eight public venues, promising a vibrant cultural presence in the city.
  • Visuals: The main foyer boasts one of the southern hemisphere’s largest indoor LED displays, creating a visually striking entrance.

Expected Impact

WA Premier Roger Cook highlighted the campus as a valuable opportunity for young people to pursue their studies within the city's heart.

The move is anticipated to significantly support the CBD's economy. Approximately 8,500 students and staff will be based at the ECU city campus from the first semester, with projections for this number to grow to 10,000.

Member for Perth John Carey commented that a student population can drive vitality in the city, increase foot traffic for small businesses, and fuel a student housing boom.

This influx is expected to bring vitality in the city, increase foot traffic for small businesses, and fuel a student housing boom. However, economics professor Steven Rowley acknowledged the campus's excellent accessibility via public transport but also warned that an increased number of people in the city could lead to higher retail rents in the local area due to potential increased trade.

Student Accommodation Concerns

A key aim of the state government is for the campus to attract international students, yet there are growing concerns regarding student accommodation. Perth's current housing market is experiencing high demand and low affordability, posing challenges for new arrivals.

Mr. Carey pointed to existing and proposed solutions, including UniLodge on Wellington Street, a 30-level student housing development with over 700 beds. He also mentioned a proposed 33-storey tower at Kings Square in the CBD, projected to hold 854 beds.

Despite these efforts, Professor Rowley from Curtin University indicated that students might face difficulties finding housing, with purpose-built student accommodation costing between $400 and $800 per week. He stated that ECU students would compete with those from other WA universities for Perth's approximately 2,500 existing student beds.

Property analyst Gavin Hegney described Perth as being in a "lag period" where construction needs to meet demand, suggesting a shortfall in accommodation that the rental market would need to absorb.

Asbestos Issue Resolution

Late last year, an asbestos issue was identified in 14 of the building's fire doors, believed to have been imported. The building received an exemption from work health and safety regulations to open, ensuring the campus could proceed with its launch.

ECU confirmed that builder Multiplex assured no risk to human health, and WorkSafe approved the planned remediation. ECU plans to replace the affected doors during semester breaks this year, minimizing disruption.