An 18-storey purpose-built student accommodation building will soon rise at Regent Street in Redfern after its Singaporean developer received the go-ahead for the project.
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The subject site, located at 104-116 Regent St, Redfern spans 1,366 sqm and was once a service station. Singapore-based Wee Hur acquired the site from BP Australia for $46.1 million through Sydney investment management group Intergen Property Group.
Designed by Antoniades Architects, the student accommodation building being planned for the site will feature 409 student beds in 307 studio rooms, 37 two-bedroom rooms and 21 ensuite rooms. It will have communal facilities such as BBQ, outdoor cinema, seating and tables.
It is easily accessible to tertiary institutions such as the University of Sydney, University of Technology and TAFE NSW.
The approval came from the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) who stated that the project would facilitate the renewal of one of the last remaining sites within Redfern Town Centre.
Community Feedback
Council initially opposed Wee-Hur’s plan, with some concerns about the potential oversupply of student accommodation in Redfern and its construction and amenity impacts.
The project site adjoins another Wee Hur-owned property, located at 13-23 Gibbons Street, which is another student accommodation development.
In total, DPE received 16 submissions, comprising three public submissions (all objecting), an objection from Council, and advice from 12 Government agencies.
Key issues raised in the public submissions related to the student accommodation land use, construction impacts, amenity impacts from operations, and a range of design and technical matters.
Developers eventually amended their plans, which include removing a section of rooms above the podium to increase the northern tower setback and building separation, incorporating external privacy louvres into the northern facade, and reconfiguring the ground floor to improve activation and increase retail floor space.
They will also step up the height of the podium to follow the site’s photography and will provide a public art zone on the southern elevation of the tallest, northern tower.
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The tower, which is expected to cost $53 million, is predicted to generate up to five operational jobs and 220 construction jobs.
Published 28-March-2023
