Iglu's Brisbane student tower opens after 3-month delay for safety checks

Brisbane CBD’s latest purpose-built student accommodation, Iglu Brisbane City, has opened its doors after a three-month delay for occupancy approval clearances, with more than 250 students moving in.

Located at 65 Mary Street, Iglu Brisbane City includes 414 beds in air-conditioned studio and multi-share configurations. It has communal areas including a gym, games areas, cinema room, and an outdoor entertainment area.

The Queensland government had initially denied occupancy approval while it investigated the building’s external aluminium panels. 

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service had raised concerns the cladding presented a fire risk and would put the building's occupants in danger, said an article in brisbanetimes.com.au.

During this time, Iglu paid for alternative accommodation for the students, a media release said.

Following the government confirmation, Iglu director Jonathan Gliksten said he was excited to welcome residents to the building.

“Iglu Brisbane City boosts Brisbane’s appeal as an ideal student living destination for local, regional and international students,” he said. "Our accommodation is close to universities, transport and shopping, and is staffed around the clock." 

“We have always known that our building complied with National Construction Code and are absolutely confident in the quality and safety standard of the building materials used,” Gliksten said.

“We understand that the Queensland government needs to ensure the safety of buildings, but we were disappointed with the length of time the process took."

The project is the fourth student accommodation facility under the Iglu brand with another in Kelvin Grove, and two in Sydney. Two additional properties are currently under development in Redfern (Sydney) and Melbourne CBD.

Iglu Brisbane City's accommodation options include share apartments, studios or one bedroom apartments, with early bird rates still available for Semester 2, 2016.