Vacant commercial buildings across Darwin’s CBD will be able to be converted into student accommodation under a planning scheme amendment aimed at easing pressure on housing supply and bringing activity back into the city centre.
The Northern Territory Government has amended the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to allow empty commercial properties to be repurposed for student housing through an expedited process, with a two-year window in place for landowners and developers to act.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the change responds to growing demand, particularly following the opening of Charles Darwin University’s city campus.
“We know student accommodation is in high demand and short supply, especially after the opening of the new Charles Darwin University city campus,” Mr Burgoyne said.
He said the amendment was designed to unlock supply quickly by making use of buildings that are already there.
“We are taking action to change that with this practical amendment, which will deliver real results for the Northern Territory—repurposing buildings that would otherwise be sitting there empty, while saving time and reducing costs.”
The amendment also allows vacant commercial buildings to be converted into hostels, guest houses and worker accommodation, widening the range of short and medium-term housing options in the CBD.
Mr Burgoyne linked the change to a broader push to speed up development approvals.
“We promised we would reduce government approval timeframes by 50% to get urgent projects moving and rebuild our economy—this is part of that plan.”
The move follows the CLP Government’s decision in 2024 to reject proposals from the previous Labor government to place limits on international student numbers, instead backing growth in the sector alongside an expansion of accommodation.
Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill said student housing was central to the Territory’s economic recovery plans.
Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill said student housing was central to the Territory’s economic recovery plans.
“International students play a key role in our government’s commitment to rebuild the economy,” Ms Cahill said.
She pointed to the sector’s economic contribution, saying, “The latest data shows the International Education and Training sector contributed $156.2 million directly to our economy, with each student estimated to contribute $50,448 annually.”
As of October 2025, there were 5,577 international students enrolled in the Northern Territory, an increase of 3.6 per cent from the previous year. Ms Cahill said improving accommodation options would help the Territory compete more effectively.
“We want students to see the Territory as their top choice for university, and perhaps even stay and call it home—to achieve this, more accommodation is vital.”
Industry groups have welcomed the planning change, saying it addresses long-standing shortages while supporting CBD renewal.
Property Council of Australia NT Executive Director Ruth Palmer said the amendment creates an opportunity to revitalise underused parts of the city.
“This is a real opportunity to increase the liveability of the CBD and for developers and landowners to reimagine under-utilised assets. We hope many take advantage of the chance to turn vacant buildings into much-needed accommodation,” Ms Palmer said.
Student Accommodation Property Council of Australia Executive Director Adele Lausberg said the shortage of purpose-built student housing in the Territory has been acute.
“There is a chronic undersupply of student accommodation in the Northern Territory and any efforts to increase the number of beds is always welcomed by our sector,” she said.
With demand rising and vacant buildings already in place, the government is betting that faster approvals and broader permitted uses will translate into quicker delivery, more residents in the CBD, and renewed activity across the city centre.
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