Developer operator Get Living has secured planning permission for 504 student homes at its East Village neighbourhood in Stratford. The proposed N16 PBSA building – along with two Build to Rent buildings (N18 and N19) – were approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). Work at N16 is expected to begin on site in 2024.
Get Living has partnered with London College of Fashion, part of University of the Arts London (UAL) for over 50% of these new student homes, enabling students to learn and live in a vibrant environment closely connected with their place of learning.
Over a third (35%) of the 504 student beds will be classed as affordable, adding to the already significant affordable housing offer at East Village. The new student building will help ease the demand for PBSA in Newham, which currently has a 3,700-student bed shortage.
Plans for the ground floor space of the N16 PBSA scheme will also include new flexible exhibition spaces for students to showcase artwork and for community workshops, as well as commercial space for independent retailers, cafes and restaurants.
Extensive improvements to the surrounding public realm, including the creation of ‘Fashion Square’ – a new square with planting, pedestrian and cycle routes – will enhance the existing public space at East Village, which includes parks and wetlands, and encourage more visitors to enjoy the area.
“It is brilliant news that we have secured planning approval for N16, N18 and N19, enabling us to complete the vision that we set out to deliver in 2014 and to continue to play an important part in East London’s exciting growth journey.
“As long-term stakeholders, we have seen East Village and the wider area transform over the last decade. As well as becoming home to thousands of people from all walks of life, the neighbourhood has become a hub for creativity, enterprise and learning, a place where people can come together and belong.
“The approved proposals for the new buildings not only demonstrate architectural excellence, but also directly address the local need for new, high-quality homes.
“With world-leading universities expanding to East Bank, the student need in the area is high, and we’re looking forward to delivering a place for young people that is designed to foster creative enterprise. We hope that many of those students will choose to stay in the local area after graduating, becoming a part of Newham’s thriving local economy.”
Rick de Blaby, Chief Executive Officer, Get Living
The buildings have been designed to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and Passivhaus Principles.
Specific attention has also been paid to the size of openings, locations of balconies and windows to create optimal energy efficiency.
The N16 PBSA building will also connect into the Olympic Park Heat Network, providing significant carbon savings and achieving net zero carbon.
“We are delighted that these two significant projects have been approved by LLDC’s planning committee. Together with proposals for a dramatically reinvigorated Victory Park, they mark a milestone in the completion of the pre-2012 Olympic masterplan.
“East Village is already renowned for its connectivity, green space and exceptional air quality. These proposals will deliver new homes for thousands more Londoners, adding to the diverse and creative community that has emerged here, and bringing increased vitality to the public realm.
“With residential quality at the forefront, our designs aim to set a benchmark for high density, sustainable living. In addition to exceeding the GLA’s aspirational carbon targets, this means a focus on flexible working patterns, increased cycle use, and inclusive, sociable ground floors that contribute to their community. We are looking forward to working closely with Get Living, UAL and LLDC to deliver these exciting projects.”
Will Poole, Partner, Howells
East Village is now home to 6,500 people, over 30 independent retailers, and 25 acres of public realm open to residents and the wider community.
The approval of the proposals will kickstart the delivery of the final buildings at the development, completing the original masterplan.
Howells and TP Bennett are the architects for the proposals, Cast Consultancy is the Project Manager and Quod provided planning and development services.
