Big student accommodation plans for Kingsford

A students boarding house of 87-rooms has been proposed for Kingsford as developers try to take advantage of council and government efforts to revitalise the area.

• Residents to have say on Kensington, Kingsford
• When exactly is Mac time?

A students boarding house of 87-rooms has been proposed for Kingsford as developers try to take advantage of council and government efforts to revitalise the area.

A business called ‘Gardeners at Kingsford’ has plans to demolish three shops at 22-28 Gardeners Rd and build two buildings of four and eight-storeys for student accommodation.

Artists impression of the student accommodation proposed for Kingsford. Picture: Meccone

Students would rent a single or shared room, and share a kitchen, dining and lounge rooms, according to plans filed with Randwick Council.

There could be up to 143 students living at the complex.

One person would manage the venue.

The site is in walking distance of the University of NSW. Planners representing the property owner said the light rail would allow students to easily access universities in the city, as well as the TAFE NSW campus.

Artists impression of the student accommodation proposed for Kingsford. Picture: Meccone

The planners said they were trying to achieve council’s strategic objectives of revitalising Kingsford.

The council has been working for years on its draft Kensington and Kingsford planning strategy.

This would allow greater building heights in the town centres from seven to nine-storeys.

However, 17 and 18-storey towers would be allowed at strategic sites.

The draft plan is about to be exhibited for public feedback.

Artists impression of the courtyard. Picture: Meccone

The Gardeners Rd property owner is not the only one to have responded to the draft plan.

In January, the Courier reported 547 boarding rooms were proposed across Kensington, Kingsford, Maroubra and Randwick.

Planning authorities have shown they are open to greater heights at the Gardeners Rd location.

In 2016, they approved a four and eight-storey shop top housing project of 50 homes.

The council is due to invite people to have their say on the Gardeners Rd application soon.