Bankside House student accommodation redevelopment project in Southwark

project awarded

The project involves redeveloping the existing Bankside House student accommodation for the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) into a modern student residence with 1,944 bed spaces in London, UK.Key aspects include:Purpose: Addressing the LSE’s accommodation shortage by providing affordable housing for its 12,000 students, aligning with the LSE’s 2030 strategy to offer 6,000 bed spaces and guarantee first-year student housing.Affordability: Offering all rooms at sub-market rents, with 15% classified as Affordable Student Accommodation (capped at 55% of the maximum maintenance loan) and 38-week term-time contracts to enhance access.Design: Replacing a mid-century office building with three stepped towers (24, 26, and 28 storeys) and two low-rise pavilions, designed by Carmody Groarke and Sheppard Robson. Features landscaped courtyards, public realm integration, and active street-level frontages.Community Engagement: Including a publicly accessible Community Hub with LSE-curated programs (e.g., legal clinics, skills sessions, volunteering), Community Classrooms for local education partners, a public café, and an independent retail unit.Sustainability: Targeting BREEAM Excellent (aspiring to Outstanding), WELL principles, and Passivhaus standards. Incorporates an all-electric energy strategy, low operational energy (45–55 kWh/m²/yr), over 99% waste diversion from landfill, and 20% recycled content.Infrastructure: Enhancing pedestrian and cycle access with secure bike storage, car-free design, and compliance with Southwark’s highways requirements.Timeline: Planning application submitted to Southwark, with approval expected in early 2026, construction starting in 2027, and completion by September 2032.