Developer Watkin Jones has been granted planning permission for its student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Stratford, East London.

The project, on Grove Crescent Road, will deliver 397 high-quality managed homes for students alongside 22,000 sq ft of new workspace aimed at local makers and creative businesses.

The number of students is rising across the UK, reflecting a larger population of 18-year-olds. According to UCAS, applications to start university this September (2022) are up seven per cent on pre-pandemic levels.

Sustainably designed to be BREEAM 'Excellent', the scheme will also provide new outdoor and amenity spaces and an improved public realm with additional planting to create a more attractive environment for the local community. The scheme will also be car-free, with residents encouraged to use sustainable modes of travel, such as walking or cycling.

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Alex Pease, Chief Investment Officer of Watkin Jones, said: "This is great news for Newham, turning a vacant brownfield site into new high-quality and sustainable homes for students, who are discovering everything that East London’s growing higher education sector has to offer. Student numbers are increasing across the UK and today’s very focused undergraduates want the best quality accommodation to make the most of their time at university.

"We have worked extremely hard to deliver a scheme of the highest quality, delivering employment and workspace for local makers and creatives, as well as a wide range of real long-term community benefits for residents and local businesses alike."

Within its community activity around the new development, Watkin Jones plans to work with young people locally on a range of community initiatives such as planting on the roof gardens, site tours, and providing learning opportunities about sustainability and new housing.

The site was previously occupied by Jewson builders’ merchants, before closing in late 2020, and has been vacant since.