A major student accommodation project is set to reshape a prominent stretch of North Terrace, with plans unveiled for one of Adelaide’s largest purpose-built student housing complexes directly opposite the state’s newly merged Adelaide University campus.
Backed by a partnership between global asset manager Brookfield Asset Management and Citiplan under the Journal Student Living banner, the $400 million development will rise on the high-profile corner of North Terrace and Frome Street, just metres from the future university hub. The project is expected to bring a mix of student housing, public space and new hospitality activity to the East End, reinforcing the boulevard as one of the city’s most active cultural and education corridors.
The design includes hundreds of student rooms in a combination of individual and shared accommodation, alongside extensive communal facilities. Planned amenities feature open-plan study zones, a cinema and entertainment space, shared kitchen and dining areas, a library and a gym, all designed to support a campus-style living experience in the heart of the CBD.
Ground-level activation is also central to the proposal, with a new public plaza planned off Frome Street and space for retail and hospitality tenancies with open-air seating intended to encourage foot traffic and day-to-night activity.
Housing Minister Nick Champion says the project signals growing confidence in Adelaide’s city centre and reflects the momentum created by the university merger and broader CBD housing strategy. “The Adelaide University merger alongside our government’s CBD housing policies has made the city a place where major international developers want to invest,” he said, adding that Renewal SA had prepared the site specifically to attract a project of this scale. He said the development would make North Terrace and the East End more vibrant while also delivering hundreds of student rooms that would ease pressure on the private rental market.
Renewal SA released the North Terrace land to market in 2024 after amalgamating two allotments into a single site, with preparation work completed late last year to ready it for redevelopment. The project will be designed by COX Architecture, known for major South Australian landmarks including the Adelaide Oval redevelopment and the National Wine Centre.
Brookfield’s Ruban Kaneshamoorthy said Australia has comparatively limited high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in its capital cities and the group sees strong opportunity in Adelaide. He said the project would deliver a “world-standard offering for students” focused on engagement, wellbeing and easing rental pressure in the broader market.
Ian Davidoff, also Co-Head of Australian Real Estate at Brookfield, said Journal’s entry into Adelaide reflects confidence that campus-style accommodation will meet the evolving needs of students as the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia merge to form Adelaide University.
The development will be Journal’s fourth in Australia, joining existing and upcoming projects in Melbourne and Brisbane, and is part of Brookfield’s broader global student housing portfolio spanning tens of thousands of beds worldwide.
Planning approvals are now underway, with early site works and construction expected to begin this year.
