New plans have been unveiled to construct a 15-storey student accommodation tower above Southwark Underground station on Blackfriars Road.
The proposal, submitted by developer Helical in partnership with Places for London, Transport for London’s (TfL) property arm, forms part of a wider redevelopment initiative. This joint venture, announced in 2023, also includes projects at Bank and Paddington stations.
Originally, the Southwark site had secured approval in July 2022 for a 17-storey office building designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM). However, the latest plans feature a redesigned, smaller tower with 429 student studio apartments, again led by AHMM.
To meet affordable housing obligations, the developers have proposed a separate nine-storey building on Joan Street, which will provide 44 affordable homes. The plan also includes a community space located on the southern section of the ground floor.
AHMM also said in the latest planning documents the new development would require Southwark tube station to remain operational, therefore no major changes are involved.
Key partners involved in the project include Gardiner & Theobald, Rapleys, and Aecom, alongside Heyne Tillett Steel, Studio GB, Hoare Lea, Curtins, and Mace.