The new building will be an exemplar Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) providing a range of affordable and private housing for up to 349 students. These student rooms will be supported by communal student amenities, including study areas, gym, dance studio and lounges, alongside flexible employment and retail space at ground floor level.

During the design process, the design team undertook an extensive research study with student groups and student advisors, CRM Students, to understand current student needs and provisions, as well as a consideration of how the student market has evolved due to COVID-19.

Supporting Wembley’s student population and needs, designs have incorporated a range of rooms and configurations including studio apartments, ‘twodios’ (two rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom) and clusters (multiple bedrooms with shared kitchens and ensuites). This selection offers students a diverse choice of accommodation to suit their personal requirements.

From the outset key priorities have been focussed on the project’s sustainability and occupant wellbeing, supporting enhanced health, welfare, and performance of residents. Alongside achieving a net biodiversity gain, urban greening improvements and excellent levels of daylight and sunlight distributions across all habitable spaces, the proposal is also targeting a BREEAM Excellent, WELL & WiredScore Platinum. Adopting a fabric first approach, the high-quality construction will be designed and built to provide improved performance in the building fabric and efficiency to reduce energy demands.