CLV commences construction within Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Danala campus in Darwin CBD

The project, developed and managed by Campus Living Villages (CLV), will deliver contemporary accommodation featuring a total of 352 beds in a mix of high-demand studio and six-bedroom apartments. Scheduled for completion in late 2028, the development will include amenities that support student learning, health and wellbeing, including communal kitchens, study areas and shared spaces that foster connection and significantly boost housing options in Darwin for students.   

CLV currently manages the CDU Village Casuarina Campus, which is undergoing major capital upgrade to add new student rooms and materially refurbish the existing village which is well progressed. On completion of the Darwin CBD development in 2028, CLV will manage 710 student beds across both campuses.

Creating a supportive and engaging student experience is an essential pillar for success at Charles Darwin University according to Professor Fiona Coulson, Interim Vice-Chancellor.  “By enhancing our amenities through connected communities, including safe living environments, we provide more opportunities for students to join us in Darwin while strengthening accommodation options that benefit both our students and the wider Northern Territory community. We are committed to creating a bright future for the diverse range of students who choose to study with us, and this new accommodation will further strengthen our offering.” 

Experienced on-campus PBSA operators Campus Living Villages have worked closely with Charles Darwin University since assuming operations of CDU Village Casuarina Campus in December 2024, and share a desire to provide purpose-built options for students studying at CDU. 

"This development represents a significant investment in Darwin and reinforces our commitment to supporting students through high-quality, purpose-built accommodation. Working in partnership with CDU, we will deliver a vibrant, inclusive community that supports student success while helping to ease pressure on the private rental market in the Northern Territory.”  said John Schroder, Group Managing Director and CEO of Campus Living Villages. 

The project is backed by funding from the Australian Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). “This project will increase the supply of purpose-built student accommodation in Darwin and support Charles Darwin University's continued growth. By improving access to student housing, the development will help attract and retain students, strengthen workforce capability and contribute to the long-term economic development of the Northern Territory. NAIF is pleased to support infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits for Northern Australia.” said NAIF CEO Neil MacDonald. 

Darwin-based development and construction company DCOH will lead the construction on behalf of CLV, bringing its in-depth knowledge and experience of building in the Northern Territory to this project. 

"We've been building and investing in the Territory for almost 40 years, and we were very proud to deliver the award-winning Danala City Campus project on time and on budget in 2024" said DCOH Managing Director and CEO Shane Dignan. 

"Our team is excited to continue contributing to the precinct's evolution and helping shape this new chapter at CDU." 

The Darwin CBD development represents CLV’s second major new-build project in recent years, following the forthcoming opening of a new accommodation and amenities tower, and the significant upgrade of existing accommodation and amenity, at Griffith University’s Southport campus.