KPU to build its first on-campus student housing building in Surrey | Daily Hive

Kwantlen Polytechnic University to build its first on-campus student housing building in Surrey

Concept of the future student residence building at Kwantlen Polytechnic University's Newton campus in Surrey. (Kwantlen Polytechnic University)

Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) first on-campus student housing building will be constructed at the Surrey campus in the Newton area.

Recently, the university joined the the provincial government in announcing the construction of a new eight-storey building student residence at KPU Surrey, featuring 350 student beds in single- and double- occupancy room configurations and four-bedroom, apartment-style units. There will be priority housing for Indigenous people and former youth in care.

Other components of the project include a 160-seat dining hall and amenities such as a common room, a multi-faith room, and active-living facilities.

This building will be constructed at the southeasternmost corner of the campus, replacing a surface vehicle parking lot.

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“Adding on-campus housing is vital for supporting our students and the long-term future of Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Housing will give options for future students, helping them focus on their studies, while fostering a closer sense of community. We are extremely grateful to the Province for recognizing student needs and supporting our vision to meet it,” said Bruce Choy, president of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, in a statement.

kwantlen polytechnic university kpu surrey newton student residence

Location of the future student residence building at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Newton campus in Surrey. (Kwantlen Polytechnic University)

Concept of the future student residence building at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Newton campus in Surrey. (Kwantlen Polytechnic University)

Bowinn Ma, the B.C. Minister of Infrastructure, added, “Our government continues to expand infrastructure in Surrey, helping meet demand for affordable housing for students while reducing commute times and taking pressure off the local rental market.”

The project is expected to cost about $144 million, with $199 million provided by the provincial government and $25 million from KPU. The university funded its contribution by selling a parcel of land at KPU’s campus in the Cloverdale area for the provincial government’s project of building the new Cloverdale hospital.

According to the university, it chose the campus in Newton for its first on-campus student housing project due to high levels of student interest, an upcoming childcare facility, and strong public transit connections, which were recently reinforced by the new R6 Scott Road Avenue RapidBus service that directly serves the campus.

Construction on the student residence is expected to begin in early 2027.

In 2021, KPU finalized highly detailed official campus master plans for each of its four campuses in Newton, Langley, and Richmond. Major multi-phased redevelopments are envisioned over the long term for each campus to modernize and expand academic facilities, improve student spaces and amenities, and better integrate the campuses with the surrounding neighbourhoods and districts.

As for KPU’s campus in Newton, the master plan calls for a new student housing neighbourhood at the southeasternmost corner of the campus. This parcel fronting 128th Street and 70a Avenue is currently undeveloped, with a portion used as a surface parking lot. The master plan envisions the eventual construction of up to four student housing buildings for this particular parcel.

kwantlen polytechnic university kpu surrey newton

Master plan of the KPU Surrey campus in Newton, with a future student housing neighbourhood located at the southeasternmost corner parcel. (Kwantlen Polytechnic University)

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