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 — 17 August 2026

Timeline

Progress

A ‘self-climbing frame’ will be fixed to Tower Crane TC01  in the coming week. Once fixed to the tower, the crane will climb in height an additional 30m for a total height of just under 80m above ground level. The hydraulic climbing frame to lift the crane will lift and support the crane, allowing additional mast sections to be inserted beneath it and increasing the crane’s height without dismantling it.

Once completed, Tower Crane TC01 will support the delivery and erection of the remaining two tower cranes, anticipated in early September and December 2026 respectivley.

Detailed excavation works are ongoing across the site, including excavation for the remaining pile caps and service trenches.

Blinding slab pours are currently underway across the basement, along with the installation of waterproofing membranes in preparation for the upcoming Hydrostatic Slab Pours.

Construction of the buildings core bases is also progressing, to facilitate the deliervy end erection of jump form systems commencing in September.

As a gesture of FDC’s continued efforts and commitment to the surrounding community and our neighbours, works on Western Campus Drive have been temporarily placed on hold during the UNSW examination period to minimise disruption to students at New College. Works are expected to recommence following the examination period, prior to the end of September.

Upcoming Works

The second tower crane is scheduled for delivery and erection in early September. Unlike Tower Crane 1, these works can be carried out from within the site and will not require any road or bus closures. The works will be completed during normal working hours to minimise impact to neighbours.

Construction of the Basement Level B2 hydrostatic structure has commenced. The basement will be poured in eight primary stages, with each stage progressing through concrete blinding, waterproofing, reinforced concrete slabs and columns, and perimeter shoring walls. Construction of the five building cores will also commence as the basement progresses. These works are expected to continue over the coming months.

Following the temporary hold on works on Western Campus Drive, CFA piling will continue, along with pile cropping and FRP installation to the capping beams following the current UNSW exam period. The capping beams will form part of the future basement entry structure along Western Campus Drive, tying the piles together and providing support to the surrounding ground and basement access.

Potential Impacts

FDC remains committed to maintaining pedestrian safety throughout the duration of the works. Pedestrian boom gates are being effectively utilised 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.

Noise and vibration impacts are being closely monitored / communicated to all surrounding stakeholders during the current UNSW exam period.