Unite Students has acquired a site in Stratford, East London, and secured planning consent for a new 952-bed purpose-built student accommodation tower (PBSA).
The company will deliver a 41-storey building on the site, which is located next to Meridian Steps near Westfield Stratford City shopping centre.
Of the 952 beds, 333 will be let at affordable rents, 30 beds will be in self-contained studio flats and the rest will be shared flats of five to 10 bedrooms. In addition to student beds, the tower will feature roof terraces, extensive study and community space, and a gym.
The project, which is due to complete in 2028, will also deliver circa 10,000 sq ft of workspace and retail space. Part of the space is earmarked for Royal Docks-based You Press, a social enterprise for young people and underrepresented communities.
Unite Students is in the process of confirming a long-term agreement with University College London for its students to let more than half of the beds.
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 £400m.
“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.”
