Freecity Group Secures Third Development Approval for Student Living Portfolio at Forest Lodge

Freecity Group Secures Third Development Approval for Student Living Portfolio at Forest Lodge

Freecity Group is pleased to announce the successful development approval for its third Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project, located at 2 Arundel Street and 6–8 Parramatta Road in Forest Lodge, opposite University of Sydney. This milestone further reinforces

Freecity’s commitment to delivering high-quality, community-focused purpose built student accommodation across metropolitan Sydney.

With demand for student accommodation continuing to rise, the Forest Lodge development will provide 118 modular units including: 112 Standard rooms and 6 DDA-compliant apartments designed to meet the diverse needs of students.

Valued at $90 million, the four-storey project will be constructed using Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC), an innovative building method that ensures faster delivery while upholding exceptional standards of quality and sustainability.

The application, lodged with the City of Sydney last year, underwent a rigorous review and extensive community consultation before receiving formal approval early October.

With early works scheduled to commence in Q4 2025, and practical completion anticipated by Q4 2026, ready to welcome students in time for Semester 1, 2027.

Strategically positioned in Sydney’s heritage-rich inner-city suburb of Forest Lodge, the site offers direct access to the University of Sydney, UTS, and Notre Dame University, with excellent connectivity to the broader education precinct via Parramatta Road and public transport routes.

Designed by COX Architecture, this innovative development will feature open corridors overlooking a central green courtyard, a range of community-oriented amenities and outdoor spaces that promote well-being and reflect ESG principles.

The design thoughtfully integrates the existing facades of terrace houses, blending heritage character with contemporary living to foster a vibrant and inclusive student community.

Key communal features include:

  • Lounges and quiet study areas for collaboration, relaxation, and focused work
  • Communal kitchens and dining spaces to encourage shared experience
  • Media and recreation rooms for social engagement and formal gatherings
  • Central Courtyard, a green heart of the development offering a tranquil retreat
  • The Backyard, a private outdoor space shaded by existing gum trees for relaxation and connection
  • Communal laundry hub, overlooking the courtyard and designed as a social extension of the living space
  • Secure bicycle parking for student convenience and sustainable mobility

 

“As Freecity’s third PBSA development, “Forest Lodge isn’t just a development it demonstrates how modular innovation and community-first design can converge to create a vibrant, sustainable, and lively student precinct.” said Freecity’s PBSA Development Director, Benjamin Brown.

Forest Lodge joins Freecity’s expanding student living portfolio, which includes:

All three projects are scheduled to be operational for the first semester of 2027.

Published: 21 October 2025

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