More luxury, all-inclusive student accommodation to be built in Perth

A lack of luxury student housing complete with all the fixings is attracting Perth developers to cash in on a gap in the market.

A proposal for a 37-storey student accommodation tower has been recently recommended for approval by the City of Perth, according to PerthNow.

A myriad of recreational and wellness communal facilities will be available for both local and international students, including a theatrette, group and private study areas, a lounge, gym, laundry room and bicycle bays.

The first three levels of the building are slated to be rented out for commercial tenancies such as retail, dining and bars.

For the residence units, there will be a total of 433 beds in 258 units, sleeping between one and six students and a mix of private and shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.

An artist’s impression of the shared facilities inside the proposed student accommodation tower. Source: PerthNow

The City of Perth has recommended approval for the building, since the proposal was consistent with the Citiplace Precinct Plan.

They wrote, “While the rooms provide space for studying and sleeping there will be shared spaces and facilities within the development that accommodate other needs, such as spaces to cook and eat, to meet, to study and to socialise.

“It is intended that the development will provide a safe and studious environment, but also one that provides opportunities for students to meet and to avoid social isolation.”

However, there have been objections from some of the surrounding landowners due to the immense height of the tower on a block that is just 691sqm.

They wrote, “In our opinion the proposed building at 39 levels is far too high for this part of the city. This proposal is not part of a cohesive streetscape on the southern side of Wellington Street and looks out of place.”

This new development runs in tandem with other luxury projects for student accommodation buildings already being developed or in the works.

For example, The Boulevard, a swanky new Northbridge apartment building, has facilities that include a pool deck, fully-equipped gym and several communal spaces designed for students.

The rooms are fully-furnished with modern fittings and premium appliances, high-speed WiFi access, TV and air-conditioning.

Fully-furnished student digs at The Boulevard, Northbridge. Source: The Student Housing Company Australia/Facebook

A studio apartment at The Boulevard costs AUD$399 a week, a hefty markup from the typical university housing in Perth which rents at approximately $165 a week. Students will start moving in next month.

According to 7 News, 70 percent of The Boulevard occupants are international students, mainly from China.

The Boulevard’s neighbour is Campus Perth, designed to be a ‘co-living hub’, a more affordable yet modern alternative to college housing and student life.

Campus Perth offers students a state-of-the-art fitness centre, trendy communal spaces (there’s even one on the rooftop) and fully-furnished student share rooms.

Campus Perth puts a modern twist on typical student dormitories. Source: Hotels-G

Weekly rent for a four-person roomshare at Campus Perth, like the one pictured above, is approximately AUD$162 per week.

Campus Perth spokesperson Bram Newbold said, “For us, it’s about building a community within and allowing our students to engage in the vibrancy of Northbridge.”

Student Housing Company spokesperson Craig Oliver said, “We felt that Perth was lacking that quality student accommodation that really attracts both international and domestic students.”

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