The Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s new student residence in District Six will accommodate some 400 first-year female students.

The university unveiled the new residence, Cape Suites, behind the main District Six campus on the corner of Constitution and Tennant streets, on Wednesday last week.

Formerly the Best Western Hotel, CPUT bought the building and refurbished it over seven months at a cost of R28 million, according to CPUT finance specialist Phillip Chibvuri.

Rooms are fully furnished with keyless locks using PINs or fingerprints. Facilities include 24-hour security, wi-fi, a laundry room, a gym, a swimming pool, a study area, a common area and a main kitchen, although each room comes with its own kitchen.

The residence was meant to feel like “home away from home”, said CPUT residence business manager Johnny Basson.

“For many of these students, it’s the first time they are in Cape Town, and they will be able to make use of these facilities offered at the residence.”

It would cost R62 000 annually to stay at the residence although that might vary for students with bursaries or loans, said Mr Chibvuri, adding that the facility was already booked out.

CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley said the residence’s rooms would be leased out for the month during the holidays at the end of the academic year.

“We currently house 50% of our students in residence. Of this, 44% are in university-controlled accommodation, while the rest is in privately owned accommodation,” said Ms Kansley, adding that CPUT had increased student beds in the city from 15000 in 2024 to 16200 for 2025.

CPUT was expecting more than 38 000 students to enrol this year, she said.

From left are CPUT financial specialist Phillip Chibvuri, residence business manager Johnny Basson, spokesperson Lauren Kansley and director of marketing and communication Dr Garth van Genson.

One of the rooms at CPUT’s new student residence.