Southwark residential development to create homes, jobs and new public spaces

The London Borough of Southwark has approved plans for a mixed-tenure residential scheme.

Designed by tp bennett for client Joseph Homes, the scheme at Sylvan Grove will deliver a mix of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and affordable housing across two adjoined buildings along with 1991 sqm of employment space and a new square.

The scheme sits to the north of a 7.7-acre master plan and is one of a number of buildings being developed in the Old Kent Road Opportunity area, fulfilling a London-wide need for student housing.

The 34-storey tower comprises 688 student bedrooms as a mix of studio apartments and clusters of three to eight bedroom apartments. Prioritising ‘building a sense of community’ within the building, two amenity floors incorporate a top-floor lounge and external terrace, study space, communal kitchen and dining, and a gym.

The adjoining seven-storey building comprises 23 family housing units of three and four bedrooms, all of which will be delivered as affordable housing at social rent levels. Residents will have access to the courtyard garden at ground level as well as roof top terrace amenity and children play space.

There are a range of benefits associated with the energy strategy which will make the whole building possibly one of the most efficient buildings in the Borough with carbon savings of 41 per cent over Part L 2021 through the adoption of Passivhaus principles throughout the design process.

tp bennett worked closely with Joseph Homes and Rolfe Judd planning consultants, to ensure the scheme is aligned with Joseph Homes’ values as a B Corp member and is guided by its “Live Well” principles of People, Neighbourhoods, Customers and Planet.

Nenad Manasijevic, Principal Director at tp bennett, commented: “We are pleased that our proposals for Sylvan Grove will be able to provide high-quality student homes in south London. This is a typology that has been recently overlooked but is in high demand.

“The mixed-use nature of the scheme will allow residents to join together and take ownership of their living quarters. Providing communal and outdoor space is an essential part of this, fostering a sense of community and creating a dynamic environment that goes beyond traditional student housing norms.”

Joseph Rajah, CEO of Joseph Homes, added: “We are delighted Southwark councillors have supported our scheme by resolving to grant consent for our application. Our plans will deliver high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation for the 11,000 students currently living in private residences in Southwark.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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