‘Out of character’ university lodgings could be demolished to make way for 16 new apartments

Once dubbed “the ugliest building in the area”, an international student village is again facing the bulldozer.

Plans for a multistorey apartment block in Adelaide’s east have re-emerged, just two years after the original proposal was axed.

Student accommodation once dubbed ‘the ugliest building in the area’ would be demolished for modern apartments under the new development.

Future Urban and Amulet Property have lodged plans to redevelop 44 Watson Ave, Rose Park, building a four-storey apartment block with 16 dwellings, along with five detached two-storey homes next to the building in place of the current 109 student rooms.

Concept of the four-storey apartment complex on Watson Ave, Rose Park. Picture: Loucas Zahos Architect.

A report details the build development would include four two-bedroom apartments, 11 three-bedroom apartments, two four-bedroom apartments and carparking in the basement.

The site is currently home to Alexandra Lodge – formerly Bradford Lodge – an eight-storey residential village which has been home to international students for close to two decades.

Plans to overhaul the site with an eight-storey apartment block were logged back in 2018 however, according to documents provided by Burnside Council, it was refused after it was deemed “too tall”.

A long-time Watson Ave resident said at the time, the proposal was “out of character” with the area.

“We have no idea how Bradford Lodge was approved and built in the first place,” the resident said.

“It is the ugliest building in the area.

“It is not the right fit for the area, but three storeys really would be.”

Alexandra Lodge, formerly known as Bradford Lodge. Picture: Google Maps

Former renter George Shulga said the lodge is one of the city’s best kept secrets and it would be a shame to lose the sights the lodge has to offer.

“It is located in one of the nicest areas of Adelaide, if you happen to rent on level two or higher you are going to enjoy some of the nicest and most beautiful sunsets you will ever see,” he said.

The current complex was a retirement village until 1999.

Public consultation on the proposal is open until December 1.