Two new high-rise blocks will be built above Southwark Tube station
By Noah Vickers, Local Democracy Reporter
Two new high-rise blocks – one containing council homes and the other comprising student accommodation – will be built above Southwark Tube station.
The scheme, which won unanimous support from councillors at a meeting last night, will see buildings of nine and 15 storeys erected on top of and next to the station.
The smaller building will contain 44 council homes, while the taller block will house 449 studio apartments for university students.
The development was a joint venture between Places for London – Transport for London’s (TfL) property company – and developer Helical. It will also feature 123 square metres of retail and cafe space on the ground floor of the student block, and a shared community garden and play space next to the council housing.
The council’s Lib Dem opposition leader Victor Chamberlain, who represents the area, said: “There are now fewer council homes in Borough and Bankside ward than when Labour took control of the council. At the same time there are 2,853 households on the waiting list in SE1 alone. So I strongly welcome 44 new council homes and community space as part of this development.
“But the huge increase in student housing from this scheme and others like Bankside House will see around 2,500 students in our area. The council has failed to consult residents on this change or provide the infrastructure we need to accommodate it.”
A consultation of 340 residents about the proposals generated only 13 responses – two of which were positive and 11 negative.
Objections included concerns about a loss of daylight for neighbouring buildings, pollution and dust during construction, and worries that the student block will cause a rise in antisocial behaviour, noise and disturbance.
Council officers said the student accommodation will include “24-hour, 7-day a week on-site management”, “security staff and CCTV”.
They said: “This will not only provide a safe environment for students, but their continual presence on site will ensure that any noise and antisocial behaviour can be dealt with immediately.”
Matthew Bonning Snook, chief executive officer of Helical plc, said: “Whilst the site benefitted from planning permission for a 220,000 sq ft office scheme, we have brought forward a more valuable proposition at this important site, which will deliver much in demand purpose-built student accommodation and affordable housing, along with high quality public realm and significant benefits to the community.”
Pictured top: An artist’s impression of the development above Southwark Tube station (Picture: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects)
