Construction has started on one of British Columbia’s largest capital investments in student housing and the first ever residence at Douglas College.

The 20-storey integrated student housing and academic building will hold 368 student beds in one-, two- and four-bed units, new classrooms, student collaboration spaces, labs, offices, food services and parking.

The project will meet Step 4 of the B.C. Energy Step Code – the highest step in the code for commercial buildings – and will use wood throughout for design elements. B.C gave the school $202.3 million to support the $292.5-million project, with Douglas College providing the remaining $90.2 million. Premier David Eby said the project will “allow students to live where they learn and significantly reduce pressure on the local rental market.

“The prospect of having on-campus housing at Douglas College is incredibly exciting,” said Mitchie Nguyen, a commerce and business administration student. “808 Royal will be a place for students like me to be fully immersed in the college experience, to build community, feel connected and be supported while balancing academics, work and life.”

This project is part of the Homes for People action plan, which commits more than $2 billion toward developing 12,000 student beds on campuses throughout the province.