A key piece of Lismore’s student housing network is set to come back online, with Southern Cross University’s Sirius Student Accommodation nearing completion after being severely damaged in the 2022 floods.

The 27-unit complex on Military Road will soon provide 60 beds for students studying in Lismore. It will ease some pressure on our rental market, and is delivering an economic boost through construction, student spending and long-term population growth. The refurbishment is due to be completed in the coming weeks.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin toured the site today alongside Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin and local builder Joel Jensen, describing the project as a deeply local investment with far-reaching benefits.

“There’s 60 beds that will be available for students that will come from all over Australia, some local, some from everywhere,” Ms Saffin said. “This was an investment in the local economy, in local tradies, and that means the money goes back into our economy.”

The Sirius buildings were inundated during the February 2022 floods, with floodwaters sweeping through the ground floor and leaving the accommodation uninhabitable. Rather than walking away, Southern Cross University committed to rebuilding, investing around $1.5 million of its own funds to restore and upgrade the site.

Professor Carlin said the decision reflected confidence in Lismore and the university’s role at the heart of the city.

“This facility has always had a long tradition of serving students, it was our most popular residence,” he said. “Today, we’re bringing it back.”

“In Lismore there’s 60 additional beds, that’s 60 students who are going to find friendship, a home, and their intellectual journey ahead of them. In a few weeks from now, this place will be full of students from our region, from around Australia, and from around the world, joining this beautiful community we’re so proud to be part of.”

The redevelopment includes 21 two-bedroom and 6 three-bedroom apartments and has been designed with flood resilience, sustainability and long-term durability in mind. Materials and finishes were carefully selected to withstand future flood events while remaining low-maintenance and energy efficient.

Local builder Joel Jensen, Director of Joel Jensen Constructions, said delivering the project entirely with local trades and suppliers was a deliberate choice.

“This has been 100 per cent local trades, contractors, suppliers and materials,” Mr Jensen said. “Every dollar spent stayed in the Northern Rivers and supported the local economy.”

He said the local workforce’s commitment helped keep the project on track.

“People pushed through Christmas and weekends, because they know how important this is for town,” he said. “It’s about getting students back into Lismore, back into restaurants, shops, cafes and casual work.”

Ms Saffin said those flow-on effects are critical as Lismore continues its recovery.

“Those 60 students mean 60 extra people in our local area,” she said. “They’ll shop locally, eat locally, fuel their cars, use local services, that stimulates our economy and helps create or keep jobs.”

She also highlighted the pressure student accommodation takes off the broader housing market.

“We know there’s a housing crisis,” she said. “Having students live on campus means other housing across Lismore can be available for locals.”

Professor Carlin said quality accommodation plays a vital role in attracting students who might otherwise not consider moving to Lismore.

“This is going to pay great dividends in terms of student experience and bringing people into the city,” he said. “When students live in residence, they don’t just study, they build friendships, connect with the town, and become part of the community.”

Southern Cross University remains one of Lismore’s largest economic anchors, supporting hundreds of local jobs and injecting millions of dollars each year through education, construction, research and student spending.

For those involved, the reopening of Sirius represents more than just a building, it’s a statement of belief in Lismore’s future.

“This is about regrowth and reinvigoration,” Professor Carlin said. “It’s the beginning of a real surge of momentum for us in this town, and for this town itself.”