Demolition starts ahead of 689-bed Urbanest uni student tower

Demolition has started on two 1950's and 1960's buildings directly opposite the University of Adelaide on North Terrace to make way for a 689-bed student accommodation tower due to be completed by the end of 2017.

Demolition has started on two 1950’s and 1960’s buildings directly opposite the University of Adelaide on North Terrace to make way for a 689-bed student accommodation tower due to be completed by the end of 2017.

Student accommodation provider Urbanest is behind the project along with the University of Adelaide as they look to tap into growing demand for international student accommodation.

Building firm Built Environs has begun internal dismantling work inside the buildings at 228 to 231 North Terrace, on the Rundle Mall side of the stately boulevard which houses a string of cultural institutions such as the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the State Library and the University of Adelaide.

Urbanest chief executive Bub Nickel said there would be a diverse product mix offering multiple price-points for students. The building will have a hotel-style foyer, fitness facilities and games rooms.

Urbanest currently operates a separate student accommodation in Bank St just off North Terrace, about 1km away from the new development.

Built Environs expects to complete the project by November, 2017 in preparation for the start of the 2018 academic year.

Professor Pascale Quester, deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President Academic at the University of Adelaide, lauded the central location right across from the university as offering the utmost in convenience.

The South Australian Government is aiming to attract more international students to the state in an important driver for an economy going through difficult times as traditional manufacturing is hit hard. Car maker Holden is due to close its plant in the northern Adelaide suburb of Elizabeth in late 2017 after being in operation for more than 50 years.

Built Environs national new business manager Will Chapman said on Wednesday that internal dismantling had started already in one of the buildings on North Terrace.

Australian Financial Review 3rd August 2016