UK: Developer Dominvs and Queen Mary University of London have submitted plans for a 700-room PBSA scheme in Stratford, east London.
Proposals drawn up by architect Howells would see existing buildings at 302-312 Stratford High Street demolished and replaced with a 34-storey tower. Design proposals are being brought forward to supersede an existing planning consent granted to the same applicants in May 2023.
The project required a redesign to incorporate current and emerging regulatory updates, including second staircase requirements.
As well as the student rooms, the tower will also include 801 square metres of workspace, a new community pub and a “pocket park”. The scheme will also provide public access to the Channelsea River, a watercourse which has long been covered over.
Alan McCartney, partner at Howells, said: “We’re excited to share how this scheme harnesses great quality public benefits, alongside high-quality purpose-built student accommodation rooms and student amenities. Situated on a constrained site, the tear-drop plan creates a beautiful and crafted building form for this location. We believe the project represents the best in modern student accommodation and provides a robust, equitable, low-carbon design—one that confidently contributes to the fabric of Stratford.”
John Iveson, director of campus and commercial services at QMUL, said: “Working with Dominvs and Howells, the proposed scheme will open the doors of opportunity for our students locally and internationally, as well as invest in the economy of east London. Proposals have undergone an extensive pre-application review process, alongside public consultation, all of which has positively contributed to the submitted scheme.”
