Between 2010 and 2024 SHCS and UBC invested more than $700 million to add 6,080 new student housing beds across our two campuses.
By 2040, we plan to build an additional 4,800 beds—including 1,000 replacement beds and 3,300 new beds in Vancouver and 500 new beds on the Okanagan campus, with individual projects initiated as demand and financial capacity allow.
At the same time, we continue to effectively steward, invest in, enhance and reduce emissions from our existing student residence buildings.
These projects reflect UBC and SHCS’s commitment to Campus Vision 2050, UBC’s Housing Action Plan and our goals to enhance campus life and support students by providing exceptional, on-campus student housing, food services and child care.
Current projects
Lower Mall Precinct project
In August 2024, SHCS, UBC and the Province of BC announced a major partnership to build a new student residence complex in the Lower Mall Precinct, on the current site of St. John’s College.
The Lower Mall Precinct (LMP) project will address the growing demand for student housing by building approximately 1,500 graduate student focused beds (1,325 new and 175 replacement beds).
The project commenced in winer 2026, with students moving in in stages between 2028 and 2029 as buildings are completed.
Thunderbird repairs project
Thunderbird residence, which opened over 30 years ago in 1995, requires a number of repairs to the building envelope to maintain a good quality of living for residents.
Repairs began in May 2024 in the 2000 block (Monashee), with repairs in the 4000 block (Coast) and 5000 block (Hazelton) taking place in summer 2025. Repairs in the 1000 block (Cassiar) and the 3000 block (Selkirk) are proceeding in summer 2026. Additional repair work in the 2000 block (Monashee) is planned for summer 2027.
Acadia Park Highrise sprinkler replacement project
The sprinkler system in the Acadia Park Highrise (built in 1967) is fully functional but is reaching the end of its serviceable life. From May to August 2026, we will be replacing the system throughout the building, in units and common areas.
The building remains safe for every resident, and this project is a proactive and required step to ensure the continued safety of residents and modernize the system.
Future projects
Over the next 25 years, we will continue to pursue projects in alignment with Campus Vision 2050 and UBC’s Housing Action Plan to increase the number of student housing beds on-campus and provide associated services, such as food services and child care.