The B.C. government says it’s building a historic new student housing complex with over 1,500 new beds at the University of British Columbia.
The province says the nearly $560-million project focused on graduate students will be built on UBC’s Point Grey Campus, in the Lower Mall area.
The new complex will include five buildings, ranging from eight to 18 storeys, a 400-seat dining hall, 37 new child-care spaces, common amenity space, and office space to accommodate the building it will displace.
“This is the largest student housing development that has ever been funded by government in the history of the province of British Columbia,” said Premier David Eby.
“We know people want to find homes near where they live, work, and study.”
The B.C. government says it’s on track to meet or exceed its goal of building 12,000 new student housing beds around the province by 2028.
“With more affordable housing on campus, students can travel less, save more, and have more opportunity to focus on their studies. Increasing the supply of student housing also takes significant pressure off the local rental market,” said Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon.
“This is an investment that helps everyone,” Eby agreed.
The cost of construction will be split between UBC and the province, with the university providing $259.9 million and the government providing $300 million.
Construction is set to begin in fall 2026 and be open to students in phases, starting in fall 2028 and completing in fall 2029.