Student accommodation provider Urbanest has unveiled new proposals for a new PBSA scheme at a site in Vauxhall, South-West London, which has a convoluted planning history.
Last year, Lambeth Council approved a planning application to redevelop the site to deliver 872 hotel rooms in two-connected buildings, a dedicated drop-off point for taxis, and two reception areas.
However, the hotel project was not delivered, so Urbanest has now partnered with Hotchkiss, the owners of the site, to bring forward a new, sustainably designed mixed-use PBSA scheme designed by Hopkins Architects.
Plans include the delivery of 769 student bedrooms of which 35% would be affordable. Several amenities will be delivered, such as rooftop terraces alongside spaces for residents to relax, socialise and exercise.
There will also be a public cafe on the ground floor and the project includes a flexible incubator/cultural space, as well as improvements to the footpath along Albert Embankment with new greenery and trees.
The building heights are staying the same at 29 and 26 storeys in the most recent planning application, but there will be very minor changes to the overall massing to accommodate the change in use from a hotel to a PBSA development.
The two former hotel reception areas will be replaced by a ground-floor student accommodation lobby space, incubator office reception and café. There will be a 24-hour concierge based in the ground floor lobby who will ensure the area remains safe for students.
Two basement levels (two less than the consented plans) will be used for refuse, bike storage and plant only, which would help to reduce the carbon impact of the development.
The scheme aims to achieve Passivhaus certification, become Net Zero in operation, target a BREEAM rating of Outstanding for
the PBSA and Excellent for Vintage House, reduce energy consumption by 46% compared to a non-Passivhaus student accommodation scheme, invest in new public realm and planting around the development site, and achieve an overall biodiversity net gain to better support local wildlife.
Following discussions with local groups and Lambeth Council, Urbanest will be partnering with long term partner University College London (UCL) to take a large number of the rooms, including all the affordable beds at the scheme.
In collaboration with creative partner Acrylicize, Urbanest will also be be celebrating and showcasing the work of local artists. These would be displayed at the ground- floor, in the cafe and incubator.
Urbanest is also in discussion with local performing arts group – Neon – to transform the incubator space into a vibrant, cultural hub. Neon would move into and use the space for free, allowing them to expand their programme of community events to host more delivery in visual, performing and digital arts and better support local projects.
The development site – at 36 – 46 Albert Embankment – currently comprises a Jet Petrol station and the Vintage House office. It has been identified for development for some time and three planning applications have been approved by Lambeth Council previously.
The proposal for Vintage House is unchanged from the previously consented planning application. It will be refurbished with the existing historical façade protected alongside a two-storey extension. It will continue to provide office space for local businesses.
