Green light for student residence near London’s Olympic Park

Key Highlights:

• Alumno and partners receive approval for a new 316-unit student residence next to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London  
• The development will leverage area growth since the 2012 games; University College London interested in a nominations agreement 
• A joint venture between Alumno and Arlington Capital to feature extensive amenities like lounges, dining, cinema, gym, etc.
• The project includes upgrading the nearby canal towpath and affordable artist workspaces run with SPACE Studios  
• Companies welcome approval citing rising London demand for purpose-built accommodations 
• Consultants Knight Frank is pivotal in securing approval and meeting planning standards
• The site represents an important contribution to ongoing post-Olympics regeneration in the area

News in Detail:

Alumno JV Gains Approval for New 316-Unit Student Residence by Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

LONDON, UK – March 1, 2024 – Purpose-built student accommodation specialist Alumno and investment firm Hurlington Capital have gained approval to develop a new 316-unit residence adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London. The proposed site on Marshgate Lane sits next to the park which hosted the successful 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.

The joint venture project was granted planning permission on February 27 by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). The government-established body drives ongoing innovation and growth in east London following the Olympics.

The approved scheme includes 316 student rooms and is designed by award-winning London architect Henley Halebrown. It adjoins the emerging Pudding Mill Lane Masterplan area being developed by LLDC. Located next to the DLR station, University College London (UCL) has shown interest via a nominations agreement that would reserve rooms for nominated students annually.

Residents will benefit from facilities like lounges, study areas, a cinema, a gym, dining spaces, a games room, and 4 rooftop terraces – all aimed at enabling study and leisure. 35% of rooms will be affordable housing as defined in the London Plan policy. 

As part of Alumno’s community commitments, the project will also upgrade the neighboring canal towpath. Affordable artist studios run in collaboration with SPACE Studios will be based on the ground floor providing creative workspaces and opportunities.

David Campbell, Alumno’s Managing Director welcomed the approval citing rising demand for quality student housing options in the UK capital. Harry de Lotbiniere, Managing Director of Hurlington called it their 4th London student accommodation project demonstrating continued sector investment. 

Real estate consultants Knight Frank were pivotal in securing approval through constructive engagement with authorities to achieve planning standards while ensuring project viability. Associate Jack Hawthorne of appointed architects Henley Halebrown said the design establishes connections to the community.

Summary:

Alumno and Arlington Capital have secured approval to develop a new 316-unit purpose-built student residence next to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London. The proposed facility will feature extensive amenities and affordable artist workspaces in partnership with SPACE Studios. The joint venture project’s approval demonstrates continued strong demand for quality student accommodations in the capital. Consultants Knight Frank played a key role by ensuring deliverability within planning standards.