Campus Living Villages Student Accommodation
The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has made an Investment Decision to provide up to $70 million in concessional finance to support the Campus Living Villages (CLV) Student Accommodation Project in Darwin, Northern Territory.
February 2026
Social Infrastructure
Darwin
The project will deliver new, purpose‑built student accommodation adjacent to Charles Darwin University (CDU)’s Danala campus in the Darwin CBD, alongside the refurbishment of existing accommodation at CDU’s Casuarina campus. The investment supports improved access to affordable housing for students, contributing to workforce development and long‑term economic growth in northern Australia.
About Campus Living Villages
Campus Living Villages (CLV) is an experienced student accommodation developer, investor, and operator with more than 25 years of experience. CLV manages over 28,000 beds across Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, working in partnerships with universities to deliver and operate on‑campus accommodation.
In Australia, CLV operates student villages at universities including the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, UNSW, Griffith University and Charles Darwin University.
CLV is owned by a group of major Australian superannuation funds. These funds typically invest in assets like infrastructure for long-term returns.
Project Overview
The project consists of two main components, each designed to enhance student accommodation options in Darwin.
The primary component is the Darwin CBD project, which will see the creation of a 14-storey, purpose-built student accommodation tower next to Charles Darwin University’s Danala campus. This new facility will offer 352 beds and feature a variety of living arrangements, including single rooms, studios and shared apartments. Students will also benefit from common spaces such as study areas, communal kitchens, recreational facilities and support services, all aimed at fostering a supportive and vibrant student community.
The secondary element of the initiative is the Casuarina campus project, which involves the addition of 50 beds and upgrade of existing facilities. This will ensure students at CDU’s Casuarina campus have access to improved accommodation standards and amenities.
Upon completion, the combined project will deliver a total of 402 new student beds.
Public Benefit
Over the construction phase and the first two decades of operation, the student accommodation project is estimated to contribute $202 million in economic impact to the Northern Territory. This investment is forecast to generate 302 jobs during the build and 44 ongoing operational roles once the student village is up and running, supporting local employment and workforce development.
A key aspect of the project is the increased supply of affordable, high-quality student accommodation in a competitive rental market. By delivering more beds and modern facilities, the project will help ease housing pressures for students and provide better living standards.
The development will also support population growth and enhance Darwin’s ability to attract and retain talented students and a skilled workforce. Charles Darwin University’s capacity to draw regional, interstate, and international students will be strengthened, supporting the university’s growth and regional economic resilience.
How We Helped
Commercial lenders typically offer shorter‑term finance for student accommodation projects, which can make projects in northern Australia difficult to deliver, compared to similar projects in the southern states of Australia.
NAIF’s concessional loan plays a crucial role in bridging the funding gap for this initiative. The loan offers a longer tenor of up to 20 years, providing the project with extended repayment terms. The project finance incorporates a tailored repayment profile , ensuring that the project can effectively manage its financial commitments over time.
With competitive pricing structured to reflect the project’s long-term public benefit, this financing mechanism empowers CLV to deliver affordable student accommodation in Darwin. It also enables the organisation to navigate the construction and operational risks that are commonly associated with regional development, ensuring the project’s sustainability and positive impact on the local community.
Related Links
Indigenous Engagement
- The Larrakia people
Darwin, known traditionally as Garramilla, is on Larrakia Country in the Northern Territory. Larrakia Country spans from Cox Peninsula in the west, Gunn Point in the north, the Adelaide River in the east, and as far south as Manton Dam. The original name of the language group now known as Larrakia is Gulumirrgin, the Larrakia are saltwater people, they have a rich history of trade, intermarriage, and shared ceremony with neighbouring groups such as the Tiwi, Wagait, and Wulna. Important cultural sites like Stokes Hill, Mindil Beach, Rapid Creek and Casuarina Beach remain sacred to the Larrakia and are part of an enduring cultural landscape. The Larrakia Traditional Owners are pivotal to the Darwin community including the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) who play a central role in preserving culture, protecting country, and supporting the social and economic advancement of Larrakia people on Larrakia Country.
Commitments
CLV has developed an Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES) in consultation with the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) and other local Indigenous organisations. The strategy is designed to support meaningful participation, employment, training and procurement outcomes throughout construction and operations.
Key commitments under the Indigenous Engagement Strategy include:
- Cultural recognition through building design, wayfinding, artwork and naming
- Ongoing engagement with Larrakia organisations to embed culture and connection to Country
- Employment target of 10% during construction and 14% during operations
- Procurement target of 3% during construction and throughout operations
- Annual accommodation scholarships for First Nations students studying at Charles Darwin University
NAIF will continue to monitor delivery of Indigenous outcomes over the life of the loan.
