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UK: Newham Council’s planning committee has unanimously approved plans by Dominus for a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Stratford High Street.
Designed by architects Metropolitan Workshop, the scheme will deliver 692 student beds (430 cluster rooms and 262 studios), with 35 per cent offered at affordable rents capped by the Mayor of London. The 31-storey building will feature living spaces with en-suite bedrooms, large kitchen and dining spaces, landscaped roof terraces, as well as space for a gym, yoga studio, laundry and media room. The building will target BREEAM Excellent with a Biodiversity Net Gain of 154 per cent across the scheme.
The improved public realm, designed by landscape architects Spacehub will deliver a new community pub and more than 1,200 square metres of street level upgrades including new outdoor spaces and greening.
Located at 302-312 Stratford High Street, the site is a five-minute walk from Stratford Station, offering excellent connectivity to central London. It is within walking distance of several universities with a combined total of more than 27,000 students, including University College London East, London College of Fashion, and the University of East London. Research by Cushman and Wakefield reveals that over 10,500 students are unable to access a bed space in Newham, putting pressure on the local housing market.
The scheme will create an estimated 74 jobs and £10.8 million in Gross Value Added per annum during construction, with an additional 20 jobs created during operation and anticipated annual student spend of £9.5 million.
The new plans were submitted in August this year after the Planning Inspectorate denied Dominus’ appeal against the London Legacy Development Corporation’s refusal to grant permission for a 34-storey scheme on the site in March. Following this decision, Dominus appointed a new project team to rework its plans, in consultation with Newham Council, to design a new scheme that delivers a range of community benefits.
Preet Ahluwalia, CEO of Dominus, said: “Securing approval for our Stratford scheme marks another significant milestone for Dominus as we continue to build momentum across our portfolio. With 3,800 student beds under construction or in the pipeline, our focus is on delivering market-leading schemes in London and beyond ahead of the launch of our operational student platform.”
Olivia Burton, senior development manager at Dominus, added: “We’re proud to have secured approval to transform this closed-off brownfield site to deliver much-needed student homes, a revitalised community pub and significant street level enhancements on Stratford High Street. The site is well located for those living and studying at one of the several universities within walking distance, while also offering excellent transport links into central London.”
Highlights:
• Newham Council’s planning committee has unanimously approved plans by Dominus for a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Stratford High Street
• Designed by architects Metropolitan Workshop, the scheme will deliver 692 student beds (430 cluster rooms and 262 studios), with 35 per cent offered at affordable rents
• The new plans were submitted in August this year after the Planning Inspectorate denied Dominus’ appeal against the London Legacy Development Corporation’s refusal to grant permission for a 34-storey scheme on the site in March
