Housing almost 150 university students in Wollongong’s CBD has had a positive impact on the inner city.
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Manager of GPT’s Wollongong Central shopping centre, Dean Young, said an ‘‘exciting vibe’’ had been generated since students took up residence at Marketview.
The former Ibis Hotel was bought by the University of Wollongong and is already booked to capacity, with 144 domestic and international students moving in last month.
Mr Young said that although official figures had yet to be calculated, the initial response had been promising.
‘‘GPT’s Wollongong Central has experienced an increase in customer visitation through the Market Lane entry doors over the past three weeks,’’ he said.
‘‘We believe this increase can be contributed to the arrival of university students moving into the new accommodation at Marketview on Market St.’’
Although not traditionally flush with cash, the students were spending their money in the city, particularly for general grocery items and takeaway meals.
Brittany Reeves, 22, said she found the central location to be a definite asset.
‘‘It’s good for clothes shopping, or when you just need lunch and there’s nothing in the fridge,’’ she said.
Medical physics student Ryan Brown, 22, said that not much of his precious income was spent on fast food. He was more inclined to stock up at Woolworths.
City Centre Revitalisation manager Mark Grimson said the university’s decision to establish a student residential hub was working well for the city.
‘‘A key part of activating the city centre is about more things happening and getting people working and living in the city,’’ he said.
General manager of UOW Accommodation Services, Nigel Pennington, said Marketview was the first of UOW’s 10 residential centres to be filled for 2012.
‘‘The demand for CBD living is very strong; the feedback we’re getting from students is that it’s working really well for them,’’ he said.
Mr Pennington said it augured well for the establishment of a 350-place student residential tower proposed as part of GPT’s West Keira development.
He added that the hospitality shown by St Michael’s Anglican Church, which owns the property, was also heartening.
‘‘They hosted a welcome barbecue for us last Sunday. We really like the way they’ve put out the welcome mat for our students.’’