Downing sets sights on London
LIVERPOOL student property specialist Downing has announced plans for its maiden development in London with a 32-storey, mixed-use scheme in Vauxhall.
The project, designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, will feature around.580 student bedrooms with a leisure centre and swimming pool at lower ground level.
The scheme will regenerate a derelict site on South Lambeth Road, which has been identified in the London Plan and Vauxhall Nine Elms Business Opportunity Area as being suitable for tall buildings.
Paul Houghton, development director at Downing, said: “Over the past two decades Downing has established a track record of very successful student developments in major UK student centres.
“We have been looking for the right site to bring the Downing brand to London for some time. Demand for high quality, purpose-built student accommodation far outstrips supply in the capital and we are very pleased to be bringing forward these proposals.
“The site is currently underused and could offer so much more to the area. Our proposals will utilise it to its full potential and provide a scheme that will help the local economy and revitalise the street-scene along South Lambeth Road.”
The scheme’s 20-metre swimming pool and 10,000 sq ft leisure centre will be open to the public. The plans also include large internal and external amenity space for students, including a 4,000 sq ft roof terrace.
Downing, named after its founder George Downing, is progressing work on another £40m student development in Leeds and is due to complete a 520-bed scheme in Newcastle city centre next month.
