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UK: Plans to redevelop London School of Economics’ (LSE) student accommodation have been submitted to Southwark Council by architects Carmody Groarke and Sheppard Robson.
The scheme to replace the university’s Bankside House hall, located just south of Tate Modern, contains 1,944 student beds in three towers rising to 24, 26 and 28 storeys. The towers will be connected at ground level by two pavilions.
The scheme’s appearance is designed “to articulate the skyline, with slender vertical bars on the façade and and refined crowns to the three towers”. Meanwhile, the lower-storey pavilions are designed to bring light into the shared communal spaces, providing street-level activity.
All student rooms will be at sub-market rents and 15 per cent of the spaces will meet the London Plan definition of Affordable Student Accommodation (capped at 55 per cent of the maximum maintenance loan).
The £400 million development project will be delivered by Bouygues UK and Equitix, with Bouygues UK as contractor.
Once complete, the project will treble the amount of student accommodation currently on the site. The current estate is a 1950s block originally built as offices for the nearby former Bankside Power Station and converted by the LSE into a 600-bed hall of residence in 1997.
Julian Robinson, director of estates at LSE, said: “Bankside House is more than student housing – it’s a commitment to widening access. By delivering nearly 2,000 beds at sub-market rents, we’re easing pressure on London’s housing market while ensuring that talented students, whatever their background, can live and thrive in the heart of the city. This project reflects LSE’s values: world-class education supported by a world-class living environment and an ambitious civic offer to the local community. The new Bankside will be an extension of our world-class estate and exceptional student experience.”
The new project is aiming to achieve WELL Standard and BREEAM Outstanding certification. A decision on the planning application is expected early next year. Subject to approval, works on site will start in 2027, with the new Bankside House scheduled to open before September 2032.
Highlights:
• Plans to redevelop London School of Economics’ (LSE) student accommodation have been submitted to Southwark Council by architects Carmody Groarke and Sheppard Robson
• The scheme to replace the university’s Bankside House hall, located just south of Tate Modern, contains 1,944 student beds in three towers rising to 24, 26 and 28 storeys
• The £400 million development project will be delivered by Bouygues UK and Equitix
• Subject to approval, works on site will start in 2027, with the new Bankside House scheduled to open before September 2032
