Planning permission received for LSE student accommodation

Developer Dominvs Group has received planning permission for a 644-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme in the City of London, supported by the London School of Economics (LSE).

The developer said over 35% of the new beds will be affordable, meeting an urgent need for student housing in the Square Mile as the LSE seeks to increase its number of student beds from 4,500 to 6,000 over the next 5 years.

Located at 61-65 Holborn Viaduct, the scheme has been designed by Stiff + Trevillion Architects and Jonathan Cook Landscape Architects.

In line with Dominvs Group’s commitment to social value, the company said the development will deliver high-quality space for student interaction as well as amenity space for the local community.

The local community and wider general public will also benefit from an improved public realm, including a new viaduct connecting Holborn Viaduct and Snow Hill, as well as a gateway to the new Museum of London at Smithfield’s. The public will also have access to a roof terrace offering panoramic views across the east of the City towards St Paul’s Cathedral.

The completed project will give students access to an on-site cafe/bar, cinema room, music rooms, games area and gym.

The development will target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and has been designed to be climate resilient – including urban greening and water saving measures – with the aim of reducing operational carbon emissions.

Jay Ahluwalia, Director at Dominvs Group, said: “From extensive consultation with the City Corporation and key local stakeholders we sought fresh thinking, submitting a scheme that enriches the existing neighbourhood while meeting the need for purpose-built student accommodation in the area.”