A 600-bed student accommodation located in The Block in Redfern could become the first student quarantine hub in New South Wales upon the return of the international students.
Construction of the $100-million development, which will be one of three Scape student housing facilities in Sydney, is almost complete and could be ready in time for the launch of the government’s pilot program for student quarantine hubs.
Scape co-founder Craig Carracher confirmed that the student tower was re-engineered to be featured with contactless access points and a better airflow system that will limit the spread of the virus. It comes as International Education Association Australia CEO Phil Honeywood also said that similar student accommodation companies have been looking into developing and improving their facilities to comply with the policies and regulations of the NSW Health on student housing.
However, a spokesperson from the NSW Treasury said that the Scape development has only been shortlisted and a decision on the quarantine hub has yet to been made. Another student accommodation provided by Iglu, also found in Redfern, is up for consideration as well.
The spokesperson acknowledged the need to prepare quarantine-ready facilities for returning international students as they make up one of the “largest and important export sectors” of NSW, supporting local jobs and boosting the economy for over $14 billion a year.
South Australia was the first to propose a student quarantine hub and will meet with the officials of the federal government in the coming weeks to carefully carry out their plans. NSW, on the other hand, has not yet submitted any proposal to the federal government.
Meanwhile, the Scape development is not without its controversies as it will stand on an iconic site. Some Redfern locals worry about the potential impact of a quarantine facility next to the vulnerable Indigenous residents, who could be forced out of The Block due to the threats to their health and wellbeing.