Project Overview

FDC Construction is thrilled to lead the delivery of Iglu’s visionary student accommodation precinct at UNSW’s Anzac Parade — a landmark development set to redefine student living in Sydney.

Rising above a vibrant new public plaza and bustling Eat Street, this landmark development features five architecturally distinct towers — from boutique low-rise buildings to 16-storey icons — all seamlessly connected by landscaped laneways and communal spaces. The project will deliver 859 rooms and 943 beds, meeting urgent demand for high-quality student housing while creating a dynamic new destination for the university and local community.

The site’s intricate transport and utility overlays, plus a basement built below the water table, showcase FDC’s expertise in managing challenging D&C projects. Our team is working closely with Iglu (the developer, owner, and operator) and UNSW to deliver a best-in-class precinct — on time, on budget, and with the community at its heart.

This is more than accommodation — it’s a vibrant new hub for students, staff, and the wider UNSW community.

Highlights

• Five towers:
  • Building A: 16 storeys, 442 rooms, rooftop terraces, and a three-level podium with retail, communal, and university spaces
  • Building B: 15 storeys, 287 rooms, retail, and green roof terraces
  • Building C: 7 storeys, 58 rooms, rooftop PV panels
  • Buildings D & E: 4 storeys each, 72 rooms, with communal terraces and bike storage
• Two-level basement: 250 car spaces (with EV charging), end-of-trip facilities, and a new ramp from Day Avenue
• Public domain: A new civic plaza, lush landscaping, and activated ground plane with food, beverage, and retail outlets, and extensive communal spaces for wellbeing and connection
• Sustainability: Green roofs, rooftop solar, recycled water for irrigation and landscaping, and targeting a 5-Star Greenstar sustainability rating

Project Update — 23 March 2026

Timeline

Progress

Bulk excavation and temporary anchoring  across the site is continuing, with material being progressively exported to reach the final basement depth of approximately eight metres below existing ground level. Based on current progress, FDC are anticipating to reach final basement levels in May. Following this, foundation piling and inground services works will commence.

As excavation progresses below the natural groundwater level, additional dewatering wellpoints (also known as spears) and deep wells will be installed around the excavation. These systems temporarily lower groundwater levels to maintain a dry and stable working environment.

Stormwater upgrade works along Day Avenue will recommence next week. Temporary fencing will remain in place for the duration of these works, with vehicular and pedestrian access maintained wherever possible and detours implemented as required to ensure public safety.

Upcoming Works

Over the next two weeks, FDC will be constructing two new temporary construction driveways on Anzac Pde (North & South of the existing bus stops). Following completion of these works, the majority of vehicle movements to the site will be facilitated via these new driveways. Both driveways will be controlled by qualified traffic controllers during all approved work hours. Once the project nears completion, the temporary crossovers will be removed, the roadway reinstated to its original condition.

Installation of the remaining hoarding along the Eastern Slip Lane (adjacent to Anzac Parade) is also underway. Once the gate is installed, the Eastern Slip Lane (along Anzac Pde hoarding) will allow trucks to move safely within the site before exiting onto Anzac Parade. This will operate in conjunction with temporary driveway crossovers to help minimise traffic impacts.

Potential Impacts

FDC remains committed to maintaining pedestrian safety throughout the duration of the works. Pedestrian boom gates will be installed over the coming months along Anzac Parade at key locations to assist with managing construction vehicle movements and ensure the safety of pedestrians accessing the footpath and nearby bus stops.

Temporary footpath closures will be required during the remainder of the Day Avenue stormwater upgrade works. Appropriate pedestrian signage and detours will remain in place for the duration of the works to maintain safe access

Temporary driveway (layback) works will occur for the Entry Cross Over (South) between 25/03/2026 to 27/03/2026 and for the Exit Cross Over (North) between 30/03/2026 to 02/04/2026. Works will be undertaken out of hours between 8pm-5am to minimise disruption, with the footpath reopened each morning. Pedestrian detours will be in place during work hours, and there may be minor noise and short-term disruptions in the surrounding area during construction activities.