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 — 29 January 2026

Timeline

Progress

Light demolition works are continuing on site, with great progress being made on the Western piling platform. This progress is ensuring works are aligned with the programme and will facilitate the upcoming piling activities at the Western side of the site.

Sheet-piling involves the vibration-driven installation of steel piles into the ground to retain the surrounding foundation and allow safe excavation of the two basement levels. Works are anticipated to be completed by mid-February this year.

For information regarding scheduled breaks for Sheet Piling, please refer to the schedule below.

The site amenities have now been positioned on top of the B‑Class gantry with temporary access ways currently being completed, and the A‑Class hoarding is being extended to secure the north‑eastern corner of the site.

Stormwater Upgrade works along Day Avenue have started. Temporary fencing has been installed and will be maintained for the duration of the works. Pending favourable weather, works are anticipated to be completed by the end of February. Vehicular and pedestrian access will be kept open wherever possible, with detours in place when required.

Upcoming Works

Sheet‑piling is expected to commence along the western elevation by the end of January, after which works will progress to the southern elevation.

Ground anchor installation is scheduled to commence in the second week of February, beginning along the northern elevation. Ground anchors are steel supports that are drilled into stable ground to reinforce excavation. They provide temporary structural stability by preventing the surrounding soil from shifting, ensuring the excavation remains safe throughout construction.

FDC will be constructing temporary driveway crossovers into Anzac Parade in the second week of February to facilitate the safe movement of trucks entering and exiting the site, while also helping to minimise disruption to normal traffic flow. Once the project is nearing completion, the crossovers will be removed and the road reinstated to its original condition.

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.

Temporary footpath closures will occur during the Day Avenue stormwater upgrade works.  Footpath closures will be limited and during daytime construction hours, with pedestrian access safely reinstated outside of work hours.

Traffic management measures, including signage and on-site traffic control, will be in place throughout the works. Cyclists will be safely diverted where the existing cycle path is affected. Affected residents will be notified in advance, provided with a site contact, and access arrangements will be managed as required to minimise disruption.