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

 

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Project Update — 18 February 2026

Timeline

 

Progress

Sheet piling works have now been completed on site, with the piling rig scheduled for removal later this week. This marks a significant milestone in the project, enabling progression to the next major phase of works: ground anchor installation and bulk excavation.

Following the successful installation of the test anchor, full ground anchor installation has commenced along the northern elevation of the site.

Ground anchors are high-strength steel elements drilled into stable ground behind the sheet piles. They provide temporary structural support to the excavation, ensuring the surrounding soil remains stable and bulk excavation activities can proceed safely.

Excavation and removal of bulk material from the site will continue to the full depth of the two-level basement, approximately 8 metres below the existing ground level. Increased traffic movements are expected during this period due to the export of excavated fill.

The stormwater infiltration tank located in the SE corner of the site is currently being backfilled in preparation for a concrete staging slab to be poured over the tank. This has been scheduled for the first week of March. This slab will later form part of the Ground Floor slab. The southeast corner of the site will become a key logistics and delivery staging area and play a major role as works continue to progress.

Works on the Eastern Slip Lane (adjacent Anzac Pde) have progressed well, with the concrete slab now poured. Installation of a temporary handrail is nearing completion.

Once operational, the Eastern Slip Lane will facilitate safe internal truck movements prior to exiting onto Anzac Parade. It will operate in conjunction with temporary driveway crossovers to minimise traffic impacts along Anzac Parade.

Stormwater upgrade works along Day Avenue are ongoing. Temporary fencing will remain in place for the duration of these works. Vehicular and pedestrian access has been maintained wherever possible, with detours implemented as required to ensure public safety. Works are currently anticipated to be completed by mid-March.

 

Upcoming Works

FDC will also be constructing temporary driveway crossovers onto Anzac Parade toward the end of February. These crossovers will facilitate the safe entry and exit of construction vehicles while helping to minimise disruption to normal traffic flow.

Once the project approaches completion, the temporary crossovers will be removed and the roadway reinstated to its original condition.

FDC will also be facilitating the installation of a temporary power kiosk on site to provide temporary power to support ongoing construction activities.

As excavation progresses below the natural groundwater level, a dewatering system will soon be delivered and installed on site.

The system will include a combination of wellpoints (also known as spears) and deep wells positioned around the excavation area. These systems are designed to temporarily lower the groundwater level to maintain a dry and stable work environment as bulk excavation continues.

 

Potential Impacts

Traffic control measures are currently in place along Day Avenue and the NIDA Laneway to safely manage increased vehicle movements associated with the delivery of materials, plant, and equipment, as well as the ongoing removal of bulk material.

Dust mitigation measures are in place, including the use of water carts as required to manage dust during periods of increased demolition activity.

Temporary footpath closures will be required during the remainder of the Day Avenue stormwater upgrade works. Closures will be limited to daytime construction hours, with pedestrian access safely reinstated outside of work hours.

De-watering will commence in mid-March to facilitate the upcoming excavation works. Based on the detailed assessment undertaken, effects on local groundwater bores are anticipated to be minimal and within the “minimal impact considerations” prescribed under the NSW Aquifer Interference Policy.