Construction of 3 new apartment buildings for students starts near MUN campus

An artist's concept illustrates Werkliv's housing project, which is aimed primarily at undergraduate students attending nearby Memorial University in St. John's. (Werkliv)

Ground has been broken on three new apartment buildings for students in St. John's, right across the street from Newfoundland and Labrador's largest campus.

Montreal-based company Werkliv began work Tuesday on Lambe's Lane, adjacent to the Aquarena and St. Augustine's church on Elizabeth Avenue.

The company calls the project Wester-land, a play on Westerland Road, which divides the project site and Memorial University's main campus

The project will include 205 furnished units in three six-storey buildings specifically design for students, especially second and third-year students, according to a news release.

A Werkliv official told CBC News the company is not speaking about the development, but would do so in six to eight weeks when the build progresses.

Montreal-based company WerkLiv has broken ground on three new apartment buildings near Memorial University, which will house 205 new, furnished units for students. (Curtis Hicks/CBC)

The news release said the buildings will also include green spaces, common areas and an increase in bike parking for the area. The company aims for the project to be completed by August 2025 in line with the Canada Summer Games in St. John's.

Nicolas Keough, director of external affairs for Memorial University's student union (MUNSU), said the development is badly needed as students continue to struggle through a housing crisis in the St. John's area.

"A lot of students, especially international students, have to work while they're going to school just to pay for tuition and to pay for rent," said Keough, adding the search for things like affordable housing takes students away from their studies.

"We've had some horror stories from students in residence about rooms, you know, being uninhabitable. I think it's really important that we do have this extra housing."

Keough said the union will be pushing to ensure the units are accessible and affordable to all students.

"It can't be just a replacement, and then have, you know, students paying more for rent than they would have," he said.

Meanwhile, Keough said it's still important for students to have more short-term solutions for housing.

Nicolas Keough, director of external affairs of MUNSU, said the apartments are an exciting development for students in need of affordable housing. (Curtis Hicks/CBC)

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