A private sector consortium, led by InfraRed Capital Partners, has entered into a 35-year partnership with Curtin University to design, finance, construct and operate the new developments located in the heart of Curtin’s Perth Campus, which have a total capital value of A$300 million. InfraRed Capital Partners is the principal equity investor in the project.
The new developments include about 1,000 new student accommodation beds operated by St Catherine’s College and UniLodge Australia, a 60-room boutique hotel operated by Waldorf Australia Group, 38 apartments (one, two and three-bedroom), 3,000m2 of commercial space, and 15 specialty retail shops including a grocery store and food and beverage outlets. Programmed Facility Management will provide asset management services.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said construction would start in August 2019, with the first stage of the Exchange development set to officially open in January 2022.
“Our new student accommodation will be located in the heart of our main Perth Campus, and has been designed to complement our current 1,150 student accommodation beds,” said Professor Terry. “The new development will target 5-Star Green Star Design and As Built, which includes water recycling, energy minimisation initiatives and is situated close to Curtin’s bus interchange,” she added.
InfraRed Capital Partners’ Chief Executive Werner von Guionneau said: “We are delighted to partner with a leading organisation such as Curtin University to work on this unique project to deliver and manage world class facilities which will enhance the learning experience of students for decades to come.”
Probuild has been appointed to construct the three new buildings, which will be delivered simultaneously and completed in time for the official opening. The integration of sustainability initiatives are equally important to the InfraRed Capital Partners’ lenders group which includes Clean Energy Finance Corporation and National Australia Bank.
