urbanest has reached a construction milestone at its 2 Trafalgar Way purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme, topping out at Tower 2 and the project reaching its full height.
Designed by Apt, the development is a PBSA-led mixed-use scheme with three towers of 28, 36 and 46 storeys providing 1,672 student bedrooms and 80 residential apartments. A four-storey podium will include 41,000 sq ft commercial office space, as well as ancillary residential, indoor play-space for children and retail.
“At the event yesterday we enjoyed speeches in the skybridge at level 10 before those with a head for heights travelled up to level 45 for a ceremonial concrete pour by representatives of the JRL Group Ltd Group, urbanest, UCL and Evergreen.”
Apt
On site, the subtle rotation of the three towers, each aligned with a listed church spire in Poplar, create a dynamic composition which Apt are delighted to see emerging successfully on the skyline, as the installation of the unitised cladding follows closely behind the structural works.
Fit out of the interiors is progressing at pace and the team are looking forward to the podium and public realm beginning to take shape.
“Our vision for 2 Trafalgar Way was to create a vertical campus, where living, studying and working successfully co-exist, serving to create an enriching environment which will extend into the ground floor public realm and beyond.
Bram Van Der Wal, Director, Apt
We’re thrilled that we have reached this milestone and very excited to see the scheme continue towards completion.”
In addition to providing high-quality accommodation, the 2 Trafalgar Way project aims to achieve exemplar sustainability credentials, targeting both BREEAM Outstanding and Passivhaus certification.
The development is transforming the vacant and important gateway site on the edge of Canary Wharf, delivering a significant economic and social boost for the borough and local community, with hundreds of new jobs created and an estimated £10.5m spent in the borough each year by students, residents and staff. The proposals have also been supported by University College London.
The wider project team includes Midgard Ltd, ASFD, Walsh, Henriksen Studio, Rider Levett Bucknall, FMDC Ltd, MTT Limited, Introba, Caneparo Associates, Trium Environmental Consulting and WSP.
“A huge congratulations to all involved, what an achievement!”
Apt
