Major 19-storey student housing development plans unveiled ahead of booming UWA-QEII precinct

Plans for a 19-storey student residence near UWA have joined the list of growing accommodation developments in the area and could provide housing for more than 450 regional and international students. It is not the first time that developers have eyed up the prominent Stirling Highway corner block at the intersection of William Road but the current plan is a big shift in favour of students. In 2022, Hot Capital Sands proposed building an 18-storey tower with 75 apartments, an art gallery, plaza and seven businesses at the site on 37-43 Stirling Highway. This time the site is being reimagined by Perth real estate agency Centurion, which has unveiled a $60 million plan to build a mixed-use student accommodation complex with streetfront retail and commercial opportunities. If approved, the 19-storey complex about 500m from the UWA campus would accommodate up to 472 students in mostly single-bedroom apartments. “The contemporary development has strong synergies with the adjoining UWA Crawley campus and will provide additional housing options for students, particularly regional and international students, in an area close to public transit, amenities and the Perth city centre,” a developer’s report includes. The development will also include communal living and recreation spaces and basement parking. It is among the latest in a string of similar development plans announced for the district since the State Government confirmed it would take the lead on transforming the area from UWA to the hospital precinct. Just last week, a proposed seven-storey apartment complex located within walking distance of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital was put out for public comment. Another nine-storey student residence at 55-57 Fairway, Crawley is currently with WA’s peak planning body for a decision, having wrapped up public feedback in August. The $29.6 million development would have 199 rooms, as well as associated amenities and basement parking. The Stirling Highway student accommodation tower is currently being advertised for public comment by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. The application involves a demolition request to remove existing office and commercial buildings. “These existing buildings are considered to be in average condition, of little architectural significance and are nearing the end of their lifespan,” the report read.