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 — 9 January 2026
Timeline
Progress
Light demolition works continue on site, with significant progress being made on the northern piling platform. This progress ensures works are aligned with the programme and will facilitate the upcoming piling activities at the northern end of the site.
Sheet-piling is one of the key activities currently being undertaken on site. Sheet piling involves the vibration-driven installation of steel piles into the ground to retain the surrounding foundation and facilitate the safe excavation of the two basement levels. This work is anticipated to be completed mid-February 2026.
The removal of bulk material from the site continues as works progress to construct the dewatering platform along the western site boundary. The tree protection zone, established late last year, is also in place and helping to protect the existing trees and fencing along the site boundary.
Access to NIDA from Anzac Parade has been reinstated, with additional safety measures in place, including directional signage, convex mirrors, and traffic control, in order to support a smooth transition of access.
The site amenities have now been positioned on top of the B‑Class gantry. Once the temporary access ways have been established, the A‑Class hoarding will be extended to secure the north‑eastern corner of the site.
Upcoming Works
Light demolition activities, including the removal of existing concrete kerbs and asphalt is progressing. The removal of bulk material from the site is continuing.
Sheet-piling is anticipated to be complete along Anzac Parade and will continue along the Northern elevation over the coming weeks, before progressing to the Western elevation and finally the Southern elevation.
To maintain the privacy of our western neighbours, FDC will be installing a privacy screen following the completion and handover of the NIDA turnaround bay.
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 material, plant and equipment, as well as the ongoing removal of bulk material.
Dust mitigation strategies are in place, including the use of water carts as needed to manage dust during increased demolition activities.
With sheet piling, neighbouring properties will experience increased noise and vibration during this work. Both noise and vibration levels are being monitored for the full duration of the disruptive works.
