UK: A full planning application has been submitted for a 102-unit coliving scheme in Streatham, south London.
Hybrid Planning & Development, on behalf of its client Everitt Road Properties Ltd, has submitted the application for the scheme which has been designed by architects Ackroyd Lowrie.
The development will feature amenities including a media room, gym, communal dining room, lounges, coworking spaces, outdoor terraces and gardens, and cycle storage. A CGI of the scheme suggests it will be operated under the Nest brand.
Ackroyd Lowrie has designed a proposal for three buildings up top five storeys in height, with plans to retain and refurbish as much of the original blocks as possible, while adding modern elements. The current four-storey red brick building features a large car park area situated to the rear.
The proposals aim to regenerate the vacant site located at Shrubbery Road by converting and refurbishing the vacant, 111-year-old terraced buildings at the site entrance and the construction of several new blocks within the rear car park, including the five-storey building containing much of the scheme’s communal facilities.
Behind the public-facing frontage on Shrubbery Road, the proposed development is centred around high-quality landscaped terraces and gardens, providing a pocket of residential living in the heart of the town centre.
Each building is set to contain communal facilities, outdoor spaces and accessible units. They have been deliberately designed with careful massing and architectural detailing, so that the whole development sits sympathetically within its surroundings – which includes the Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill Conservation Area.
Inspired by the former police station, the scheme’s material palette and primary cladding will use orange brick with a Flemish bond to match existing buildings. Contrasting materials include slate grey brick and aluminium cladding for the top floor. Restorative enhancements are also proposed to the former police station.
Aaron Henecke, associate director at Hybrid Planning & Development, said: “The project team has worked extensively to devise a high-quality, sustainable scheme that addresses local and city-wide housing challenges. As far as we’re aware, this application is only the second of its kind to be submitted to Lambeth Council so if approved, will set a new benchmark for the Borough and help diversify the residential market.”
Oscar Clarke, project lead at Ackroyd Lowrie, added: “Streatham is a lively neighbourhood with sustainable travel connections, community facilities and high street stores. The site occupies a prime location among these amenities and is therefore ideal for coliving yet has remained vacant for almost a decade since the police station’s closure. This application is designed to revitalise the area, transforming an underutilised car park into high quality, sustainable, coliving accommodation. Through restoring the old police station, the proposal respects the site’s local heritage, giving the scheme a strong sense of character.”
