About Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University (CQU) is one of Australia’s most inclusive and accessible institutions, with a strong focus on practical learning, research, and community engagement. Headquartered in Rockhampton, CQU operates a national network of campuses and study hubs, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational programs. Known for its commitment to student support and regional development, CQU serves a diverse student body across urban, regional, and remote locations throughout Australia.

Challenge

Central Queensland University (CQU), like many higher education institutions, recognised that the quality of its on-campus student accommodation directly impacts both enrolment decisions and student retention. At its Rockhampton campus, two ageing single-storey accommodation buildings no longer met the expectations of today’s students or the standards required for safe, inclusive living.

The university required a construction partner capable of delivering a compliant, student-centric transformation that balanced privacy with community engagement, while enhancing the long-term asset value of its accommodation portfolio.

The Solution

To address Central Queensland University’s accommodation challenges, CBC delivered a comprehensive construction solution focused on modernisation, compliance, and long-term functionality. 

Key elements of the redevelopment included:

• Complete Spatial Reconfiguration: CBC undertook a full internal demolition and reconfiguration of both single-storey buildings. The layout was redesigned to provide privacy, accessibility, and ease of maintenance for all students. Each building’s original 14 small rooms was transformed into 7 larger, modern rooms — each featuring a private ensuite bathroom. This dramatically improved student comfort and hygiene, and reflected trends in contemporary student living.

• High-Functionality Communal Facilities: To support community building and shared living, each building was fitted with a new communal kitchen, living room, and laundry. These shared spaces were designed with durable finishes, energy-efficient appliances, and easy-flow layouts to accommodate multiple users and simplify ongoing maintenance.

• Accessibility and Compliance Integration: Two fully accessible SDA compliant bathrooms were incorporated to ensure compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and relevant Australian Standards (AS1428). Pathways, thresholds, doorways, and facilities were all constructed to support wheelchair access and ease of movement for all users, aligning with inclusive design principles.

• Efficient Construction Execution: The project was delivered over a 28-week program, during which CBC maintained tight project controls, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation strategies. All works were completed without disruption to surrounding campus operations, demonstrating CBC’s commitment to safe, coordinated delivery in active education environments.

• Collaborative Client Engagement: From early planning through to final handover, CBC worked closely with university stakeholders, consultants, and facilities managers to ensure the finished product met student needs, compliance objectives, and operational expectations.

This project was delivered as part of CBC Group’s commercial construction services