North and North-West students will benefit from the University of Tasmania’s purchase of the Midcity Hotel in Hobart for student accommodation.
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It will house 140 students from Semester 2 this year which starts in July.
University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the project would have a significant impact on meeting demand for student housing.
“We are very aware of the tightening housing market in Hobart and the impact this is having on individuals, families and the broader community,” Professor Black said.
He said more accommodation was planned.
TasCOSS welcomed the announcement.
CEO Kym Goodes said students, especially those who were on low incomes or come from low income households, faces numerous barriers to attending university.
She said the increase in reliable student accommodation in Hobart would also assist students from other parts of the State to access university study.
“Moving from your family home and away from family and community supports to undertake tertiary study comes with many new stresses for all students, not just those on a low income,” Ms Goodes said.
“By lessening the stress around the most of basic of needs—adequate, affordable and reliable accommodation, the University of Tasmania will improve the chances of educational participation and attainment.”
Labor Denison MP Scott Bacon has called on the Premier to rule out redistributing the 20 poker machines currently at the Midcity Hotel once it is sold to UTAS.
“He needs to rule out these poker machines being moved to another venue,” Mr Bacon said.