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 — 5 March 2026

Timeline

Progress

Ground anchor installation has been successfully completed along the northern elevation of the site. Works are now progressing along the western elevation.

Ground anchors are high-strength steel elements drilled into stable ground behind the sheet piles. They provide temporary structural support to the excavation and ensure surrounding soil remains stable while bulk excavation works continue safely.

Bulk excavation across the site is continuing, with material being progressively exported to reach the final basement depth of approximately eight metres below the existing ground level. Increased traffic movements are expected during this period due to the export of excavated fill.

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

Following completion of the hoarding installation, hoarding banners will be installed along the site perimeter. These will include renders of the completed development as well as historical information about the area in collaboration with Randwick City Council.

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.

Upcoming Works

FDC will be constructing temporary driveway crossovers onto Anzac Parade. 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 be implemented. 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 and maintain a dry and stable working environment as excavation continues.

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.

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. Appropriate pedestrian signage and detours will remain in place for the duration of the works to maintain safe access.

Dewatering 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.