UK: Unite Students has revealed details of the Meridian Square PBSA scheme in Stratford, in east London.
Unite has acquired the site, next to Meridian Steps near Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, and received full planning permission for the scheme, which was supported by University College London. The development is expected to complete in 2028.
The Meridian Square scheme will deliver 952-beds in a 41-storey building. 333 beds will be let at affordable rents, 30 beds will be in self-contained studio flats, and the remainder are in shared units of five to ten bedrooms. One in ten bedrooms will also be wheelchair accessible.
Unite Students is in the process of confirming a long-term agreement with University College London for its students to take more than half of the beds. This will support the university’s recently completed UCL East campus in Stratford.
Amenities at Meridian Square will include a gym, roof terraces and extensive study and community space. It will also deliver around 10,000 square feet of commercial space which includes workspace and a retail area.
Tom Brewerton, group development director at Unite Students, said: “We are proud to announce this major new development in Stratford, which will support the local community by improving infrastructure and offering community group space. We have a strong relationship with University College London and are delighted to build our presence in Stratford, where our total planned investment is £400milion. We’re trusted by parents, students and universities to provide high-quality, safe and affordable accommodation and this increase in bed numbers will help free up privately rented homes in the city for families.”