Perth's Proposed $170 Million Student Tower Seeks Community Input
Community feedback is now being actively sought for a bold new development proposal in Perth's central business district. The plan involves constructing a substantial $170 million student accommodation tower at Kings Square, a project that promises to deliver 854 beds across 33 storeys while notably excluding almost all parking facilities.
Location and Integration with Perth City Link
This ambitious development is strategically positioned on a 3334 square metre vacant lot near the RAC Arena and the recently established ECU City campus. It forms an integral component of the broader Perth City Link initiative, which aims to create approximately 1650 new apartments in the area, significantly transforming the urban landscape.
Detailed Accommodation Layout and Amenities
The proposed building at 18-28 Telethon Avenue will feature a diverse range of living arrangements designed to meet various student needs. These include 454 independent studio apartments, each equipped with private kitchen and bathroom facilities. Among these, seven studios will be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act to ensure accessibility for all residents.
Additionally, the development will incorporate 56 shared living studios, with 42 of these classified as deluxe options. These units will provide ensuite bathrooms while granting access to extensive communal facilities. The accommodation mix further includes twin studios, which will offer shared bathroom and kitchen facilities between two occupants, contributing 344 beds to the total capacity.
Extensive Communal Spaces and Ground-Level Commercial Tenancies
Residents will benefit from comprehensive communal areas spanning both the ground and first floors. These shared spaces are planned to include a fully equipped gymnasium, a dedicated group fitness studio, a yoga studio, a private cinema, multiple kitchen and dining facilities, laundry services, comfortable lounges, and various games areas exclusively for tenant use.
The project also envisions two ground-level commercial tenancies that aim to enhance the existing hospitality and retail offerings within the precinct. This commercial component is designed to help enliven the thoroughfare connecting Yagan Square and Perth Arena, creating a more vibrant urban environment.
Minimal Parking Strategy and Transportation Rationale
In a distinctive approach to urban planning, the development proposes only four car parking bays, including one specifically designated as an ACROD bay for disabled parking. The plan further allocates four motorcycle bays and 162 bicycle parking spaces, emphasizing alternative transportation methods.
The development application explicitly states that the site occupies a highly walkable location where everyday conveniences such as shops and educational institutions are merely a five to ten minute walk away. This pedestrian-friendly environment, combined with the presence of nearby high-frequency public transport options, creates what planners describe as the ideal context for car-free living.
Development Background and Submission Details
The application has been formally submitted by Element Advisory, acting on behalf of developer Sirona Urban and landowner Seven Entertainment Pty Ltd. This proposal represents a significant evolution from previous plans for the site, where a 42-storey building containing 563 dwellings with 506 car parking bays and end-of-trip facilities received approval in August 2015. That earlier approval has since lapsed, making way for this new student-focused development concept.
Community Engagement Process
Interested community members and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation process by submitting their feedback through the official Development WA website. This public input period represents a crucial opportunity for residents to shape the future of this substantial urban development project in Perth's rapidly evolving city centre.
