UK: Ziser London has submitted a planning application for a 826-bedroom PBSA scheme in Brent, north-west London.
Designed by architects BB Partnership, the plans involve the redevelopment of the Matalan retail site on Cricklewood Broadway.
In 2023, consent was given for 238 residential units but was designed before regulatory changes, including a secondary fire escape for buildings over 18 metres in height, prompted Ziser to revise its plans.
The plans consist of two tower blocks ranging from three to nine storeys. Around three-quarters (662) of the bed spaces would be en-suite and contained within 82 clusters, with the remaining made up of studios, accessible studios; and companion rooms, where a student with a disability can have a room-mate or companion to assist them with daily living needs.
Block A would comprise 406 en-suite rooms, 40 studios, 46 accessible studios, and eight companion rooms. Block B would comprise 256 en-suite rooms, 30 studios, and 40 accessible studios. The site is around a 10-minute walk from Cricklewood tube station.
A statement from Ziser London said: “The proposal has been carefully designed to ensure it makes a positive contribution to the street scene and at the same time providing good quality accommodation for students. Adjoining development, primarily residential, has been considered thus ensuring amenity has not been detrimentally impacted.”
