Perth's first private student tower opens display apartments
Perth’s first privately operated, purpose-built student accommodation in the heart of the city’s cultural centre has opened its first display apartment to attract tenants ahead of the February 2019 academic year.
The Boulevard on Stirling, a joint venture between global student accommodation provider GSA and developer Stirling Capital, is a 23-level, 571-bed student facility.
The Northbridge building comprises a mix of fully self-contained studios and shared apartments, where each student will have their own study area and private bedroom.
Stirling Capital managing director Luke Reinecke said GSA’s track record and global expertise ensured The Boulevard would become the pick of the bunch in Perth’s growing student accommodation market.
The layout of what some of the apartments will look like. Photo: Supplied
“Quality student accommodation is essential to putting Perth on the map as an affordable and accessible education destination,” he said.
Described as “a world-class living and learning environment,” the building includes communal study areas, a heated pool, gym and library.
Mr Reinecke said interest had been strong, and he expected demand would peak ahead of the February 2019 academic year.
He said Stirling Capital had further plans to build similar student accommodation in other areas of Perth.
“We are firmly of the view that Perth is an unmet active market. It has substantial unmet demand and our view is that the market will grow,” he said.
An artist’s impression of the building when it’s completed.
With five universities across Perth, which include Murdoch, Notre Dame, The University of Western Australia, Curtin and Edith Cowan, there are 56,000 international students studying in WA from 140 countries, according to StudyPerth.
It is estimated international education results in 10,000 jobs and contributes $1.345 billion to the WA economy each year.
Weekly rents at The Boulevard will start from $399 for an 18-square-metre student apartment, to $289 per person for a 110-square-metre, six-bedroom apartment.
Rents include a 24/7 on-site service team, utility bills and maintenance, high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi, and access control via mobile phones, as well as CCTV and security.
An artist’s impression of the main lobby of the tower.
Social interaction will also be encouraged, with student activities set to include quiz and movie nights, rooftop barbecues and summer parties.
GSA head of commercial operations for Australia and China Craig Oliver said Perth’s first privately run, purpose-built student accommodation would enhance student life.
“We know that students need more than just somewhere to sleep – they need communities, interaction, safety and security,” he said.
The Boulevard is walking distance to cafes, shops and restaurants and is close to public transport, and is within easy reach of all of Perth’s universities.
