Pop-up and experimental retail, a micro-mobility network, podiums as places and vertical greenery are part of Scape’s vision for five Sydney projects in Sydney’s Kensington and Kingsford precinct.
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Why we love this project:
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Scape has received development approval and will invest more than $1 billion in five buildings that support Randwick Council’s Kensington to Kingsford planning proposal, known as K2K. This allows taller buildings along the light rail corridor on Anzac Parade.
Scape’s managing director Stephen Gaitanos says the “trophy assets” will deliver affordable residential and student rental accommodation and create an economic hub for Randwick’s expanding health and education precincts.
Scape specialises in ‘off-campus’ assets, which Gaitanos says create “buzzing collider zones for students, local universities and the business community in engaging spaces”.
In collaboration with Randwick City Council, Scape held design competitions for four buildings, with SJB, BVN, PTW and Plus Architecture the winners.
SJB Architects designed gateway building Scape Lachlan, which studio associate Joseph Loh says prioritises public space and plays “against the skyline and scale to enhance the street character”.
There will be amenity for socialising and living across all buildings: rooftop pools with gyms, outdoor cinemas and relaxation zones, co-working and study zones including a library, and multiple shared dining and lounging spaces.
Sustainability will be woven into the Green Star designs, supported by car share, e-bikes, rainwater reuse and landscaped zones.
Urban design experts Roberts Day and town planners Willowtree Planning masterplanned the precincts at Todman Square and Kensington Gateway. Roberts Day director Stephen Moore points to the “network of vibrant pedestrian lanes and arcades” that will “create a continuous pedestrian experience celebrating the arts, culture optimism and student life”.
Scape is a global residential living and purpose-built student accommodation specialist with more than 35,000 bedrooms globally. Scape owns and operates 15,000 accommodation bedrooms in Australia and has a further 10,000 under development.
In 2019, Scape acquired Urbanest for $2.2 billion, adding 6,805 bedrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide to its portfolio. It also acquired the Atira portfolio of 3,510 bedrooms controlled by Blue Sky and Goldman Sachs.
