Member Article

Downing confirms student accommodation development in Vauxhall

Property developer Downing has received approval for a multi million pound student accommodation project which will include a 25m swimming pool and a leisure complex.

Lambeth’s Planning Applications Committee confirmed the new scheme which will house 553 students in Vauxhall, and provide sports and leisure facilities to the community.

Construction will begin on site next year, and the firm hopes to finish the plans by the end of 2015.

A demand for more student accommodation and improved leisure facilities in Vauxhall has resulted in decision to improve facilities.

The area is home to nearly 8,500 students, but currently has only 785 student beds, while many local residents have to travel to neighbouring boroughs to use a swimming baths.

The project, situated at 30-60 Lambeth Road, was designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in conjunction with the London Borough of Lambeth, CABE and the GLA.

A previous partnership between the design studio and developers Downing in Leeds was highly successful, and won the “Council of Tall Buildings Best Tall Building in the World” award in 2010.

Paul Houghton, development director at Downing said: “The scheme represents a significant investment in the area, not only through the £4.5 million swimming pool and leisure facility, but also through the in excess of £1.5 million of contributions that will benefit the local area.

“The proposals will redevelop a Brownfield site and provide a major boost to local businesses through the increased spend that the students will deliver.

“We will continue to liaise closely with site neighbours and the council during the construction period to ensure we deliver the scheme as quickly and smoothly as possible.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .