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 — 10 April 2026

Timeline

Progress

Bulk excavation and temporary anchoring across the site is progressing well, with material being progressively exported to reach the final basement depth of approximately eight metres below existing ground level. Based on current progress, FDC is anticipating to reach final basement levels in May. Following this, foundation piling and in-ground services works will commence.

As excavation progresses below the natural groundwater level, additional dewatering wellpoints (also known as spears) and deep wells will be installed around the excavation. These systems temporarily lower groundwater levels to maintain a dry and stable working environment.

The site’s temporary main switchboard, which will provide temporary power to the development, is currently being installed. Following this, FDC will issue a six-week notification to Ausgrid to arrange a planned power outage required to complete the connection.

Upcoming Works

Stormwater upgrade works along Day Avenue are due to recommence shortly pending final Council approval of the revised stormwater design. Temporary fencing will remain in place for the duration of these works. Vehicular and pedestrian access will be maintained wherever possible, with detours implemented as required to ensure public safety. These works are targeted to be completed by the end of May.

The temporary construction driveways onto Anzac parade have now been completed and will be used for construction vehicle access and bulk excavation works. Both driveways will be managed by qualified traffic controllers during approved work hours. Access from Anzac Parade is targeted to be operational towards the end of the month. Once the driveways become operational, access to the site via Western Campus Drive will be limited.

FDC will also be completing works to connect the site to the existing water mains on Anzac Parade. These works involve linking the new water services within the site to the public water supply, which is a critical step to provide permanent water access for the development.

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.

During the water main connection works on Anzac Parade, a contra-flow traffic arrangement will be implemented. To minimise disruption to daytime traffic and services, these works will be carried out at night between 10:00pm and 5:00am, commencing between Sunday night 12/04 and Thursday night 16/04. Both northbound lanes on Anzac Pde will be closed during these works, with a contraflow established to facilitate access in both directions within the southbound lanes. Traffic controllers will be in place at all times to manage vehicle movements safely. During these hours, nearby residents may notice increased noise, lighting, and temporary traffic changes. All works will be undertaken in accordance with approved permits, with measures in place to minimise disruption.