Perth's First Inner-City Student Accommodation Confirmed

Global student accommodation provider GSA is combining with Stirling Capital, a WA-based private real estate investment and development group, to deliver Perth’s first inner-city student accommodation facility.

The new 24-level, 571 bed tower has the potential to rival student accommodation offerings in Melbourne and Sydney, and provide an alternative to traditional shared housing or on-campus living for university students.

The developers hope that the inner city accommodation will make Perth a more attractive option for overseas students.

Perth has five universities – Murdoch, Notre Dame, University of Western Australia, Curtin and Edith Cowan. According to StudyPerth, there are 56,000 international students studying in WA from 140 countries.

It is estimated that international education generates 10,000 jobs and contributes $1.345 billion annually to the WA economy.

The GSA/Stirling facility will feature a mix of fully self-contained studios and shared apartments which are part of a unique living and learning environment that includes several communal study areas, a 15m lap pool, gym, library, rooftop outdoor space with a cinema and bar.

Stirling Capital Managing Director Luke Reinecke said he has hopes that the project will reflect a desire for Perth to deliver quality student accommodation, putting Perth on the map as an affordable and accessible education destination.

“The Stirling Street location was chosen as it is an emerging urban village at the heart of the city’s cultural precinct," he said.

"The area is highly accessible to all universities and public transport, and is within walking distance to the new museum, art gallery and an exceptional range of bars, cafes, shops and restaurants.”

GSA Head of Real Estate Jon Whittle said the aims for the new facility is to be a part of a community designed around the student, while being adapted for local market considerations.

“With 25 years’ global experience in this sector, we know that students need more than just somewhere to sleep - they need communities, interaction, safety and security.

“As the first privately-operated, purpose-built student accommodation facility to be developed in central Perth, we are looking forward to expanding our relationships with Perth universities and delivering a scheme that contributes directly to the experience of their students.”

Construction of the facility located on Stirling Street, Northbridge will begin in early 2017 and it is set to be completed in time for the start of the 2019 academic year.