ANU opens Lena Karmel Lodge

The latest addition to residential accommodation at The Australian National University, Lena Karmel Lodge, was officially opened by ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher. Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young said that Lena Karmel Lodge will provide subsidised accommodation to students, with support from the Commonwealth under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) and from the ACT Government. "The University signed an agreement with the ACT Government in 2005 that created the ANU Exchange, a precinct that has changed the face of the city, and the University, bringing the two much closer together. We look forward to extending the relationship with the ACT Government. "The 485 new apartments at Lena Karmel add 558 bed spaces to the University's residential portfolio, and the take-up has been great with the property filled in 14 days," said Professor Young. "The NRAS funding means that accommodation is more affordable for students on low and middle incomes, with rents set at 20 per cent below market rates. "Prices for students start at $204 for a shared apartment and go up to $352 for a large one bedroom apartment designed for two people." The new development includes a 710 place secure car park and 1100 square metres of retail space.