Developer Adds Two Storeys to Perth Student Digs Plan

The developer of a Perth purpose-built student accommodation tower wants to add nearly another 100 beds to its plans. 

The proposal from Accord Property for 641 Wellington Street has been in the works for five years and the developer is now seeking two more storeys to bring the tower to 18 levels. 

The number of student beds would increase from 450 to 540, according to the latest modifications filed with the City of Perth Council. 

Other changes filed by Accord include a reduced gym area, from 264sq m to 153sq m, to make way for a semi-private study area; and meeting and media rooms. 

The proposal also standardises floor plans across all levels to deliver 25 two-bed studios plus a collection of twin and three-bed clusters.

The developer says that the reconfiguration of communal spaces means a more efficient use of space at level 1 and of access to top floor, and improve accessibility and amenities for residents. 

The Wellington Street plans were first approved by the City of Perth Local Development Assessment Panel in early 2020.

▲ A render of the design by South Australia-based architects Brown Falconer of the PBSA building proposed for Perth.

The previous application sought to demolish the existing five-storey office building on the site and build a 16-level student accommodation building of 450 beds, two ground floor commercial tenancies and communal facilities

After an extension of the commencement period, the development approval was due to expire in February this year before these changes were submitted.

The site is at the northern end of Perth City Centre, 200m from Northbridge and 550m west of the Perth rail station. 

Despite potential headwinds such as recent student visa crackdowns that  introduced more extensive English language requirements and higher levels of visa scrutiny, Perth student accommodation remains strong.

UniLodge filed plans for a 32-storey development, also on Wellington Street, late last year, and the PBSA operator also signed up to deliver a 732-bed, 30-storey tower at 319-335 Wellington Street alongside MaxCap and Australian Unity.