Plans for 200-bed Moreton Bay student accommodation tower unveiled

A developer has lodged plans to build a multi-level student accommodation building with more than 200 rooms to support the huge growth of Brisbane’s newest university. SEE THE PLANS

The residential unit mix would include 151 standard studio rooms, four premium studios, 23 two-bed and 25 three-bed rooms. Picture: Contributed

Plans to construct a multi-storey accommodation building will help a university and the surrounding community north of Brisbane prepare themselves for a boom.

Sunshine BLVD Pty Ltd has lodged a development application (DA) for a 203-bed, six-seven storey student accommodation building at 47 Old Dayboro Rd in Petrie.

It would also include a cafe on the ground floor entry to encourage interaction among residents and the wider community.

The proposed development aimed to support the expansion of the UniSC campus under The Mill Moreton Bay Priority Development Area (PDA) by increasing the supply of high-quality student accommodation.

The residential unit mix would include 151 standard studio rooms, four premium studios, 23 two-bed and 25 three-bed rooms.

The building would be about 20m high, with gross floor area of 9000 sqm, 301 bicycle parking spaces and 106 car park.

The site is mostly vacant with only a water tank and the remains of a shed present.

“The proximity of the site to the University of Sunshine Coast (UniSC) campus is one of the key drivers for the development of student accommodation on the site,” the DA said.

“The site lies within walking distance of the Petrie District Centre to the east, which supports various retail and commercial businesses.

“Petrie Train Station has also undergone recent upgrades, including the addition of a fourth platform complete with new railway lines and footbridges connecting the new platform with the existing ones.

“Several emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance stations, are situated to the south and east of the site.

“The area boasts various healthcare services, including dental services, general medical practitioners and mental health practitioners.”

The first students started at UniSC Moreton Bay in March, 2020, when the foundation building was completed.

It now had more than 4700 students studying about 90 programs on campus and was projected to grow to 10,000 students by 2035.

Stage two, including new buildings, spaces and places for teaching, research, sport and recreation, was now under way.

“The development seeks to activate the streetscape by fusing high-quality landscaping elements with a variety of colours, materials and recessions in the built form, creating an engaging and articulated building,” the DA said.

“Dedicated communal open space areas on the rooftop and strategically placed around the periphery of the building maintain passive surveillance of the streetscape.’’

 International architecture practice, Plus Architecture is designing the project. 

Plus Architecture Principal, Chrisney Formosa said the project underscores the practice’s commitment to placemaking, reflecting their approach to each site which draws on and celebrates its unique urban context. 

"Our vision celebrates the vibrant and creative essence of what it means to be a student. Imbued with youthfulness and dynamism the space has been designed to surpass traditional expectations and foster a profound sense of community and well-being," she said. 

"Rooted in our dedication to placemaking, our design aims to provide an enduring architectural legacy that will both enhance student life and enrich the local community, setting a new benchmark for student accommodation in Queensland and beyond."