Newham Council approves RAC CHP’s planning for 457-bedroom PBSA

Key Points:

• Newham Council unanimously approves RAC CHP’s 457-bedroom Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project.
• Project Location: Royal Albert Dock, East London.
• Transformation of two office buildings into student housing.
• Accommodation details:
  • 210 studios
  • 12 one-bedroom apartments
  • 140 two-bedroom en-suite cluster rooms
  • 95 multi-bedroom en-suite cluster rooms
• Affordable housing: 160 rooms designated as affordable student housing.
• Accessibility: 46 wheelchair accessible and adaptable rooms.
• Amenities: Study spaces, fitness rooms, and ground-floor retail spaces.
• Infrastructure improvements: £100,000 contribution for Beckton Park.
• Sustainability: Car-free development with 348 cycle parking spaces and only four disabled car parking spots.
• Architect: Designed by Damion Marcus Burrows Architects.
• Demand assessment: Conducted by JLL to support full planning permission.

Why Was Planning Approved for RAC CHP’s PBSA in Newham?

Newham Council has given the green light to RAC CHP’s proposal for a 457-bedroom Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development in East London.

The council unanimously approved the project after extensive pre-application discussions involving local communities, stakeholders, and planning authorities. The scheme is set to transform two existing office buildings in Royal Albert Dock into modern student housing facilities.

What Does the PBSA Project Include?

The development will comprise a mix of accommodation types, including:

• 210 studios
• 12 one-bedroom apartments
• 140 two-bedroom en-suite cluster rooms
• 95 multi-bedroom en-suite cluster rooms

A key feature of the scheme is its commitment to affordability and accessibility, with 160 affordable student rooms and 46 wheelchair-accessible and adaptable rooms planned.

What Amenities Will Be Available for Students?

The PBSA will include a range of amenities designed for student well-being, including:

• Dedicated study spaces
• Fitness rooms
• Retail spaces at ground level for convenience
• A covered walkway to connect the two buildings

How Will the Project Support Sustainability and Transport?

The scheme is designed as a car-free development, with a strong emphasis on sustainable transport. The plan includes:

• Four disabled car parking spaces
• 348 cycle parking spaces at ground level

What Financial Contributions Will RAC CHP Make?

As part of the planning agreement, RAC CHP will contribute £100,000 towards the maintenance and physical improvements of Beckton Park.

Who Is Involved in the Project?

The project is being led by RAC CHP, with architectural designs created by Damion Marcus Burrows Architects. A demand assessment was carried out by JLL to support the planning application.

What’s Next for the Newham PBSA Project?

With planning permission now secured, RAC CHP is set to begin the transformation of the two office buildings into a modern, sustainable, and affordable student accommodation scheme in East London. The development aligns with the borough’s vision to enhance student housing provisions while improving local infrastructure and amenities.