A sod-turning ceremony on 17 September marked the commencement of construction on Mapletree Investments’ new 35-level purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower at 609 Wellington Street in the heart of Perth’s CBD.
Once complete, the development will add 835 beds across 556 rooms to the city’s student housing supply, while contributing to CBD activation and the local economy.
The building, designed by Rothelowman, will be delivered in partnership with developer Alceon and will provide communal zones on each floor as well as large shared amenity spaces, including a rooftop Longhouse and The Podium, which features a gym, cinema, outdoor terrace, and study areas.
UniLodge, Australia’s largest student accommodation operator, will manage the facility, while Icon Construction has been appointed as the contractor.
The site, previously owned by Alceon, represents Mapletree’s first entry into Australia’s student housing sector.
While Alceon has sold the land, it will remain engaged as development manager alongside Corbel Property.
Located adjacent to Edith Cowan University’s forthcoming $853 million city campus, the tower is expected to meet the pressing demand for student housing in Perth.
Rothelowman Principal Kylee Schoonens said: “The design of 609 Wellington Street presented a significant opportunity to positively contribute to the next chapter of student living in Perth.
“Each residential floor plate has been deliberately designed to promote an inclusive and diverse living environment that is anchored by communal space and student amenity.
“Crafting the student experience and offering opportunities to create connection and an intimate community is the focus on each residential floor – creating ‘a tribe within the tribe’.”
She added: “The majority of student amenity within The Podium, a triple height communal space at the base of the building, creates an internal street flooded with natural light and landscaping, connecting study, living and socialising areas.
“It blends the threshold between public and private spaces and creates a vibrant street activation within the urban fabric of Wellington Street.”
Matt Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Student Housing, Mapletree, said: “Australia’s student housing sector has attracted robust investor interest due to its large student population, limited supply and counter-cyclical features.
“In particular, Perth remains one of Australia’s most undersupplied CBDs for student accommodation despite being home to many prestigious institutions.
“Our latest investment reflects the Group’s strategy to leverage our real estate capabilities to deepen focus on student housing as a core sector.
“We are excited about this scaling opportunity and look forward to delivering a top-tier asset that will greatly appeal to both students and investors.”
Matthew Liston, Executive Director in Alceon’s real estate team, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Mapletree and Rothelowman to deliver this premium student housing asset located in the heart of Perth’s CBD.
“With support from the City of Perth, the Alceon team worked quickly to obtain the development approval for student housing.
“Our team is pleased to remain engaged as the project’s development manager, drawing on our real estate expertise to help ensure its successful delivery.”
