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Kingsford: More student towers planned near UNSW as developers cash in on K2K

Developers are jumping at the opportunity to build high-rise student accommodation near UNSW with plans for two more towers revealed. There are now six proposed student towers lining the controversial K2K route.

The latest two student accommodation buildings proposed for Kingsford.
The latest two student accommodation buildings proposed for Kingsford.

Developers are jumping at the opportunity to build high-rise and mid-rise student accommodation buildings near UNSW with a further two buildings proposed for Kingsford to cater for hundreds of university students.

A controversial rezoning strategy in the Kingsford and Kensington town centres – known as the K2K – has resulted in an influx of student accommodation towers and apartment blocks being proposed for the area.

The K2K rezoning was approved in August by the NSW Department of Planning and effectively allows for taller buildings to be built along the light rail corridor in the two town centres.

Plans for six student accommodation towers have already been lodged with Randwick Council ranging up to 18-storeys tall.

Artist impression of the proposed student tower at 273-275 Anzac Parade, Kingsford.
Artist impression of the proposed student tower at 273-275 Anzac Parade, Kingsford.
The site at 273-275 Anzac Parade, Kingsford.
The site at 273-275 Anzac Parade, Kingsford.

The latest two proposals, lodged in recent weeks with the council, are asking for a 16-storey building and a 10-storey building to be built on separate sites in Kingsford.

Both proposed buildings will cater for university students.

Development group Fusion is asking for the buildings at 273-275 Anzac Parade, Kingsford to be knocked down and replaced by a part 16-storey and part five-storey building with 142 boarding rooms.

That development is estimated to cost $19 million if approved.

Meanwhile, another developer, Britely Property, is asking for nearby buildings at 22-28 Gardeners Rd, Kingsford to be knocked down and replaced by a part 10-storey and part five-storey building with 132 boarding rooms.

The proposed student building at 22-28 Gardeners Rd, Kingsford (building in centre).
The proposed student building at 22-28 Gardeners Rd, Kingsford (building in centre).
Site of the proposed building at 22-28 Gardeners Rd, Kingsford.
Site of the proposed building at 22-28 Gardeners Rd, Kingsford.

That development is estimated to cost $16 million if approved. 

The K2K rezoning strategy was endorsed by Randwick Council in December last year and got the final tick of approval in August.

A major aim of the rezoning is to support growth and focus density around the new light rail.

Under the changes, developers can build up to 18 storeys (or 60m) in small pockets of the Kensington and Kingsford town centres.

The new building heights under the K2K rezoning.
The new building heights under the K2K rezoning.

However, towers up to nine storeys (or 31m) are the restriction for the majority of properties along the light rail corridor.

Previously, the height restriction was seven storeys (or 24m) in the area.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/southern-courier/kingsford-more-student-towers-planned-near-unsw-as-developers-cash-in-on-k2k/news-story/dd9480a0be0c2d92467fe46ac68ba7a6