Deakin University Student Accommodation



About this project
The Deakin University Student Accommodation project at Brougham Street, Geelong, was developed to support the university’s growing student population and enhance its inner-city housing offerings. Delivered under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), the project involved the construction of a multi-level residential facility designed to meet the needs of modern student living while aligning with Deakin’s broader urban development strategy.
The project required careful coordination across multiple stages, with a strong focus on compliance, safety, and integration with Deakin’s design and operational standards. As with many institutional developments, the site’s location and scale presented challenges around fire safety, accessibility, and staged occupancy.
BSA worked closely with the project team to ensure that all regulatory requirements were met without compromising design intent or construction timelines. Our early involvement allowed for proactive identification of compliance pathways and performance-based solutions tailored to the unique conditions of the site.
BSA’s Role and Scope of Work
As the appointed Relevant Building Surveyor, BSA provided comprehensive statutory services throughout the project lifecycle. Our scope included:
- Early-stage design input to align with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Deakin’s internal design guidelines
- Issuing staged building permits for structural and fit-out works
- Conducting mandatory inspections at key construction milestones
- Certifying occupancy through final inspections and occupancy permits
- Assessing and approving performance solutions for fire safety, accessibility, and structural compliance
- Coordinating protection works and ensuring safety measures were implemented throughout construction
Our Approach
This project exemplified BSA’s collaborative and solutions-focused approach to large-scale institutional developments. We prioritised:
- Early engagement to identify compliance risks and streamline approvals
- Maintaining safety and operational continuity throughout construction
- Delivering practical, performance-based solutions to meet complex regulatory challenges
- Supporting Deakin’s long-term vision for sustainable, student-focused urban development