World's tallest student-only accommodation tower to be built in Adelaide

A new $85 million student accommodation tower in the Adelaide CBD is set to become the tallest purpose-built student-only accommodation building in the world.

A planning application has been lodged by developer Hines Property for a 124.2m tall tower on a site it owns at 29 Twin Street between Grenfell Street and Rundle Mall adjacent the Ibis Adelaide Hotel (also developed and owned by Hines Property).

The world’s tallest student accommodation building is currently the Student One Wharf Street tower in Brisbane at 122m tall. The next tallest student tower is located in Manchester, United Kingdom, which stands at 109m.

Hines Property has planned the 38-storey solely student-use development with leading architecture firm Woods Bagot in response to significant demand for modern, purpose-built student accommodation.

Associate Principal at Woods Bagot, Alex Hall, says “the site dimensions presented the opportunity for the design team to create a simple singular expression that highlights and celebrates a slender tower. A three-level lobby void will respect and respond to the adjoining Gays Arcade whilst creating a transparent, somewhat floating podium for the tower”.

The building will include a range of accommodation options from single studio rooms through to five and six-bedroom apartments, incorporating a total of 510 beds.

The development will also include unique amenity spaces to encourage a communal and collaborative learning and social environment for student occupants.

In addition to the ground floor lobby and cafe, the tower will include a communal mezzanine lounge, cinema and events space, study and dining area, garden retreat and rooftop lawn, gym, wellness and yoga space, which has also been planned to capitalise on the building’s enviable location and to maximise views of the city and Adelaide Hills.

“Even the laundry facilities have been considered as a meeting place for occupants whilst they wait,” said Mr Hall.

“Rather than hide the laundry, it is instead featured on level 17 in a prime north facing space. The machines will be integrated with the interior design of the area rather than being the sole purpose of this space.”

Construction of the 29 Twin Street project is anticipated to commence next year and take 18 months to complete.

James Hines, Managing Director of Hines Property – which is responsible for several towers in the city of Adelaide – says the 29 Twin Street project will set a new standard for student accommodation.

“We’re going to take modern student accommodation to new heights,” said Mr Hines.

“We’ve drawn on our extensive expertise in hotel and residential developments to design a world-class, purpose-built student accommodation tower that will feature highly considered amenities and be underpinned by a professional management team to ensure a safe, sophisticated and supportive living environment.

“There are already over 10,000 international and interstate students enrolled at the city-based universities and they provide a significant economic benefit to the state. This development will undoubtedly be the drawcard accommodation option for students considering Adelaide as a destination to undertake their studies.

“Adelaide has so many attributes and advantages for students, but it is essential that world-class accommodation is also available to complete the package and ensure Adelaide gets more than its fair share of interstate and international students coming to Australia.

“As far as location goes, its prime position on the doorstep of Rundle Mall near universities and the East End will put its occupants in the perfect location for both study and social environs. The development will also be great news for the local economy with many new construction jobs to be created.”

Established in 2003, Hines Property is a privately-owned property development and investment group focusing on high-rise residential, office, hotel and mixed-use development projects. It has been responsible for several hundred million dollars’ worth of high-rise developments in the Adelaide CBD, including three major hotel developments and multiple apartment towers incorporating more than 400 apartments.

Hines Property is also the largest owner of hotel accommodation in Adelaide, with more than 600 hotel rooms in its portfolio, including the five-star Pullman Adelaide Hotel and the premium economy Ibis Adelaide Hotel. For more information visit www.hinesproperty.com.au.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact
James Hines on 0418 829 877 or jdhines@hinesproperty.com.au

ISSUED BY HUGHES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Please contact
Kieran Hall on 0422 147 151 or kieran@hughespr.com.au