Unite Students Receive Planning Committee Approval to Build a 952-Bed East London Tower

20/4/24

Unite Students, the UK's largest provider of student accommodation, has received planning approval for a landmark 952-bed property in east London. The Stratford development, next to Meridian Steps near Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, is a 41-storey tower targeted to complete in 2028. The construction of a new entrance and exit to Stratford Underground Station is also part of the plans, providing a positive benefit to the local community by helping to alleviate passenger congestion and improve the area's infrastructure.

The Stratford project, which has approval with conditions and is yet to obtain full planning permission, will also deliver 1,151 sqm of commercial space which will include workspace and a retail area. Part of the space is earmarked for Canning Town-based You Press, a social enterprise for young people and underrepresented communities.

A total of 333 beds will be let at affordable rents. 30 beds will be in self-contained studio flats while the rest are in shared flats of five to 10 bedrooms. One in 10 bedrooms will be wheelchair accessible.

The planning application was supported by University College London (UCL) and full planning permission is expected later this year. Unite Students is in the process of confirming a long-term agreement with the university for its students to let the majority of the beds. This will support the university's recently completed UCL East campus in Stratford.

Including this project, Unite Students' total planned investment into Stratford is circa £400 million. This includes the delivery of 716 new beds and academic space for the London Academy of Excellence at its Hawthorne House property, which is replacing former office block Jubilee House on Farthingale Walk.

Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said: "We are excited to get started with construction in the swiftest possible timescale. It is fantastic to have received approval at planning committee for this exciting new Stratford development that will positively contribute to the area's changing skyline."