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 — 11 May 2026

Timeline

Progress

Bulk excavations have been completed to the required depth on the north and western side of the site, with the southern and eastern elevations being progressively excavated to the same depth.

Foundation piling and in-ground services works will commence following completion of the piling platform, with the piling rig due to be delivered by the end of the month.

Temporary anchor works along the southern elevation are ongoing and are expected to be completed by end of May.

Stormwater upgrade works along Day Avenue is currently scheduled for completion in June. Temporary fencing along with pedestrian and cycle path diversions will remain in place for the duration of these works.

Upcoming Works

Delivery and mobilisation of the Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) piling rig is currently targeted for the end of the month, with the first pile scheduled to be completed on 1 June. This will mark another key milestone for the project.

CFA Piles are formed by drilling a hollow-stemmed auger to a design depth and pumping concrete through it, as the auger is withdrawn. This method is vibration-free and ideal for unstable or water-bearing soils

Also scheduled is the Ausgrid energisation of the temporary construction power kiosk located in the South East corner of the site. These works will be completed out of hours in early June, with no power supply to neighbours or residents affected. 

Potential Impacts

FDC remains committed to maintaining pedestrian safety throughout the duration of the works. Pedestrian boom gates will be installed over the coming weeks 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 along with full-time traffic control supervision during working hours.

Due to the size of the piling rig and associated equipment, the delivery will be completed out of hours to minimise any impacts to traffic and pedestrian movements. Traffic controllers and temporary traffic management measures will be implemented to safely manage these works and minimise disruption to the public where possible.