AN eight-storey, $70 million student accommodation project has been approved for the Point Street car park site in the heart of Fremantle.

Developer Sirona Urban plans to replace the centrally located but underused car park at 8 Point Street with a 392-bed purpose-built student housing complex, .

The site has been the subject of multiple proposals over the years after being sold off by Fremantle council in 2012 in an attempt to invigorate development in the East End.

Previous schemes included a 215-apartment development with ground-floor commercial space.

Sirona Urban managing director Matthew McNeilly said the latest approval would transform a site that had outlived its original purpose.

• Sirona’s proposed 392-bed student housing complex has been approved for the Point Street car park.

“An under-utilised city-centre car park which is no longer fit for purpose will make way for new student accommodation and a public café, bringing fresh activity and new life to central Fremantle,” Mr McNeilly said.

The development will include a mix of accommodation types, from single-bed studios to shared living arrangements, as well as several accessible units designed to meet Disability Discrimination Act requirements. Communal study areas, recreational spaces, a gym and social zones are also planned.

The shift toward student housing reflects growing pressure on Perth’s rental market and a shortage of student accommodation, particularly for students attending Notre Dame who face the upper end of the market if they want to live close to classes. 

Mr McNeilly said the project was about more than just increasing bed numbers.

“The project represents more than just additional student beds. This is about creating sustainable, transit-oriented housing that supports Fremantle’s urban renewal goals.”

The development will include no on-site car parking, instead providing secure storage for 100 bicycles and electric scooters, along with additional public bike racks.

The proposal also incorporates sustainability measures aimed at achieving a four-star Green Star rating, including full electrification, rooftop solar and high-performance building design.

Sirona Urban is also in discussions with the City of Fremantle about directing Percent for Art contributions toward nearby public spaces, including Princess May Park.

“In my experience, developers and a local government working together to improve the public realm is rare and usually in much larger precincts. At this more focussed level, it’s an obvious collaboration when you consider the investment in the area and the benefits to adjacent residents and businesses,” Mr McNeilly said.

Construction is expected to begin soon, with builder ADCO appointed to undertake early site works.