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 — 28 August 2026

Timeline

Progress

With foundation piling now complete in the basement, bulk and detailed excavation works are ongoing on the eastern side of the site preparing lower basement for blinding works.

Blinding slab pours are progressing in the basements west, along with the installation of waterproofing membranes, reinforcement fixing and formwork in preparation for the upcoming hydrostatic slab pours.

Construction of the building core bases is also progressing, noting this is required for the erection of the jump form systems commencing over the coming month.

Works on Western Campus Drive are progressing, noting the next phase of CFA piling works along the New College / Regiment facilities are due to begin in early September. Following piling, FDC will complete further detailed excavation, pile cropping and structural works to form and pour the capping beams which will trigger the next phase of works.

The capping beams will form part of the future basement entry structure along Western Campus Drive, tying the piles together and providing support to the surrounding ground and basement access, noting the existing levels to the Northern end of Western Campus Drive are to be lowered to facilitate basement entry into the new development.

Upcoming Works

Construction of the Basement Level B2 hydrostatic structure has commenced. The basement will be constructed in eight primary stages, with each stage progressing through concrete blinding, waterproofing, reinforced concrete slabs and columns, and perimeter shoring walls. Construction of the five building cores will also commence as the basement progresses, with these works expected to continue over the coming months. The first Basement Level B2 hydrostatic slab pour is targeted for the first week of September.

Potential Impacts

FDC remains committed to maintaining pedestrian safety throughout the duration of the works. Pedestrian boom gates are being effectively utilised 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.

The second tower crane TC02 is scheduled for delivery and erection in mid-September. Unlike Tower Crane 1, these works can be carried out from within the site and will not require any road or bus closures. The works will be completed during normal working hours to minimise impacts to neighbours