Major student accommodation coming to Elephant and Castle
A 24-storey tower has been approved for construction in Elephant and Castle by the London borough of Southwark.
The tower is being built by Alumno and is designed by Maccreanor Lavington architects.
The development will regenerate a constrained brownfield site and provide 244 student rooms with a range of communal spaces.
The site’s three railway arches will also be redeveloped to provide 67sqm of commercial space for independent and local businesses
Gerard Maccreanor, founding director of Maccreanor Lavington, said: “Despite the constrained site, the development will play a part in activating the Low Line, the new walking destination running the length of the Victorian rail viaducts that span Bankside, London Bridge and Bermondsey.
“Its aim is to provide an engaging and well-lit public space along the ground floor level – a lively alleyway reminiscent of the fascinating hidden and unexpected passages of London.”
Artwork will be commissioned by Southwark-based artists that reflect Elephant and Castle’s history, which will be incorporated into the building.
A £11.1 million contribution will also be made towards funding affordable housing in the area.
On giving the green light to the project, Southwark’s planning officer described the building as a “carefully conceived scheme which will provide an engaging building of an appropriate urban character”.
David Campbell, managing director of Alumno, said: “We’re delighted to have been given the go-ahead to develop this project on the corner of Southwark’s Rockingham Street and Tiverton Street, next to the railway viaduct.
“It will help meet the demand for student accommodation in the area, while freeing up housing for local people. We’re looking forward to working in the borough again to provide a building of the highest quality.
“I would also like to thank our partners in this project Melrose capital for their ongoing support.”
This is one of several PSBA schemes that Alumno has worked on with Southwark Council, the latest being Bermondsey Spa, which opened to students last September.
