en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 26th, A student accommodation project developed by Bouygues UK in collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and infrastructure investor Equitix has recently received planning permission. Located at 24 Sumner Street, SE1, near the Tate Modern, this new student residence is scheduled to commence construction in 2027 and is expected to open before September 2032. The project will provide 1,945 beds, making it one of the largest purpose-built student accommodation developments in central London. It will replace the existing mid-century office building conversion.

The approved design includes three stepped towers of 24, 26, and 28 stories, connected by two low-rise pavilions, all arranged around a landscaped courtyard. At ground level, new public routes and active frontages will connect Sumner Street to the wider Bankside cultural quarter. Currently, approximately 60% of LSE's 12,000 full-time students rely on London's private rental market for accommodation. The redevelopment of this student residence is set to significantly alleviate student housing pressure.

The project aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and strives for an Outstanding rating. The buildings will be fully electric, equipped with high-performance insulation and extensive rooftop solar panels, targeting an operational energy consumption between 45 and 55 kWh/m²/year. Bouygues UK aims to divert over 99% of construction waste from landfill and ensure that at least 20% of materials by value are recycled or reused. Oliver Campbell, Managing Director of Bouygues UK, stated that collaborating with LSE and Equitix has resulted in a student accommodation project centered on affordability, sustainability, and community. Julian Robinson, Director of Estates at LSE, noted that the project integrates public facilities with genuine public access and community use, extending LSE's world-class estate to the South Bank of the Thames.