Real estate developer – Dominvs Group – has received resolution to grant planning by the Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Planning and Transportation Committee for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme, supported by Imperial College London, on the site of a former magistrates court in Hammersmith.
Dominvs Group made a concerted effort to work with the local community to ensure continual local input over planning and design. This continuous and transparent communication has led to support for the revised scheme from the local community.
“The mixed-use nature of our proposal speaks to our ability to continually create value across different asset classes in response to the needs of the local area and market conditions. This extends our track record of success across student accommodation, hospitality and residential-led developments throughout the capital and beyond.
“We were delighted to work closely with the Community Liaison Group throughout the planning process. Earning the support of the community was a priority for us in this new scheme and we are proud to have seen local groups speaking in favour of our application yesterday [9 March 2022]. Finally, we are pleased to have the support of Imperial College on this scheme and strongly believe the affordable bedrooms – 359 in this case – will be of significant benefit to students in years to come.”
Jay Ahluwalia, principal, Dominvs Group
Located at 181 Talgarth Road, the scheme will deliver 713 new student beds – of which 359 will be affordable, offering a solution to the growing affordability and accessibility gaps in student accommodation around London. It will also feature flexible amenity space – including a study and seminar space and an onsite gym.
“Engagement with the local community in the early stages of the project has been a wonderful and creative experience. This important relationship, generated through our client, offered RSHP a great opportunity to design a scheme supported by the community on a truly remarkable site.”
Andrew Partridge, Associate Partner, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Designed by international architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSH+P), the PBSA scheme represents the northern portion of a larger development which currently has a 400-key hotel under construction, designed by RSH+P and currently being delivered by Dominvs to the south of the site. Both buildings will target BREEAM Excellent.
RSH+P, together with award-winning landscape architects Gillespies, have also designed a landscaped garden courtyard at ground level and a mezzanine level with space for pop-ups and events.
“As an important part of Central Hammersmith’s urban renewal, this building and its adjacent square will mark the town centre when approaching from central London. In doing so, it will bring much needed activity to a currently challenging location and a significant extension of the public realm that, we hope, will eventually connect with LAMDA and Barons Court Station beyond.”
Ivan Harbour, Senior Partner, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
Working closely with Imperial College London, Dominvs will deliver student housing close to its White City Campus. Imperial’s student population has increased by almost 20% in the last five years, and discussions are advanced for Imperial to take the majority of the rooms once completed. This will aid the university in playing a key Anchor Institution role in the Borough as both an education and employment provider. The site is also close to several local Higher Education Institutions, including LAMDA, RCA White City and West London College.
“Imperial College London has a strategic partnership with the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to support inclusive economic growth, sustainable businesses and rapid innovation. We have a shared vision to create a world-class ecosystem centred on close collaboration between academics, students, entrepreneurs, businesses, and residents: the White City Innovation District.
“A key factor in sustaining any successful innovation ecosystem is the sufficient availability of affordable and fit for purpose accommodation for critical communities of rare talent. Opportunities like this will increase the capacity to ensure that talent can emerge from any background and not just the most privileged. 181 Talgarth Road is a short walk from our clinical teaching site at Charing Cross Hospital and a short cycle ride from Hammersmith Hospital. It is well-connected to our growing White City Campus, home to the Molecular Sciences Hub, School of Public Health and Sir Michael Uren Biomedical Engineering Hub.
“Half the student rooms at 181 Talgarth Road will be affordable student rooms delivered to a high specification. We have been working with Dominvs for these to be allocated to Imperial students. We look forward to continuing to work together with Dominvs.”
John Anderson, Director of Financial Strategy, Imperial College London
