New student village extension opens

 Murdoch University’s new student village extension opened in time for first semester this year.

An increase in demand for on-campus accommodation prompted Murdoch to approve plans by the village property manager, Campus Living Villages, to provide another 298 beds by the start of first semester.

Sixty existing apartments were also refurbished with new carpet, paint and furniture.

Murdoch's student village now offers a total of 836 beds.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Faculty, Enterprise and International) Professor Gary Martin said the expansion and refurbishment provided some of the best on-campus accommodation in Australia.

“The accommodation features an e-library, café and swimming pool for residents," Professor Martin said.

Campus Living Villages contracted EMCO to build the extension which incorporates a number of environmental design features, keeping in step with the University's own commitment to making environmental considerations a priority.

These include high levels of insulation, sun shading, efficient lighting, solar-boosted hot water, greywater use, low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets and drip-free taps to reduce water consumption.

Landscaping uses native species to reduce watering requirements.