Nigel McKenna’s Melview Developments is planning a second tower alongside his UniLodge student accommodation in Parnell.
The Auckland City Council granted resource consent in October for Melview to redevelop the site at 133 Beach Rd but has now granted a change to the plans. The distinctive silver UniLodge has been nicknamed the “cheese grater” by industry insiders for its distinctive cylindrical shape, silver metallic finish and the position of its windows, which some say give it an appearance not unlike a giant version of the kitchen implement.
Late last year, an Informetrics report on the international student market singled out UniLodge for mention, noting that its student apartments were often as little as 14sq m, although McKenna disputed that this made the rooms the city’s smallest.
“The report refers to entry-level studios – designed as hostel accommodation for first-year students – that are 14sqm. They include a mini kitchenette, full wardrobe, a dedicated study desk and three-piece ensuite,” McKenna wrote. “As is common in hostel situations, UniLodge on Anzac also provides a range of common facilities for students such as large commercial kitchen, communal television lounge and dining areas in addition to a heated swimming pool, laundry and large BBQ deck with harbour views,” he wrote.
Other units were between 35sqm and 75sqm. In its initial application, Melview got permission for the new seven-level building to have 159 units in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations, bringing 211 new student beds to the education precinct. Last month, Melview revised its proposals, increasing the number of units in UniLodge on Beach to 163 but with a reduction in bed numbers from 211 to 169.
New common areas are introduced at ground level and level six. A bridge on level six of the proposed building will ink it to the existing UniLodge at 150 Anzac Ave.
“This link provides access to the shared facilities available to residents of the proposed UniLodge on Beach, including car park, heated swimming pool, BBQ deck, common room, commercial kitchen and café,” the council said. This would result in a twin-tower student complex.
