Amro Partners has recently submitted a planning application for its most ambitious project to date, a redevelopment of Lewisham Retail Park valued at £650 million, which will yield 1,452 new rental homes. This significant undertaking marks a crucial step towards addressing the pressing demand for housing in London, particularly in the context of the burgeoning purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector.
Planning Approval Secured
The redevelopment will occupy a 2.8-acre island site that Amro secured in 2024 after an intricate 18-month land assembly strategy. The plans propose five new buildings that will create a landscaped neighbourhood, complete with nearly 2,000 square metres of commercial space. This initiative is strategically designed to enhance the appeal of the area, both for students and local residents alike.
Residential Offerings
The project aims to provide a diverse array of housing types to meet varying needs. Among the proposed developments are 387 Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes, which will consist of one to three-bedroom apartments featuring resident lounges, coworking areas, gyms, and podium gardens. Additionally, the plans include 383 coliving studios that will offer extensive shared amenities, catering to the growing trend of communal living. A substantial component of the development is the inclusion of 682 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) studios and cluster flats, designed with shared kitchen and living spaces, addressing the increasing student population in the area.
Commercial and Community Focus
At street level, the plans incorporate a vibrant food hall, deli, bakery, café, and various restaurants and bars, with a clear preference for independent businesses over large chains. This thoughtful approach aims to foster a unique community atmosphere and enhance the local economy. The new public square will not only encourage outdoor events but also bolster the night-time economy, which is vital for a thriving urban environment.
Environmental Considerations
Public realm development is central to Amro’s proposals, featuring two residential garden spaces and a central square designed for community interaction. These spaces will provide seating areas, children’s play zones, open lawns, footpaths, and cycleways, as well as planting nearly 100 new trees. The project is committed to achieving significant ecological enhancements across the site, including a targeted net biodiversity gain of 10 per cent and an urban greening factor of 0.4, which is essential for sustainable urban living.
Transport and Accessibility
Strategically located less than a three-minute walk from Lewisham National Rail and DLR stations, the site benefits from excellent transport links. The proposed Bakerloo Line extension through Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate is anticipated to further enhance accessibility for residents, making this development even more attractive to students and young professionals.
Developer’s Vision
Co-founder and CEO of Amro Partners, Raj Kotecha, expressed the significance of this project, stating, “This project means a great deal to us and to the people of Lewisham. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform this prominent gateway site into a thriving and sustainable new neighbourhood for local people to live, work, visit and socialise.” Kotecha highlighted that extensive engagement with local residents has shaped their vision for a development that raises the bar for placemaking and sustainability while addressing the urgent need for new rental housing.
Currently, Amro Partners has over 2,500 residential homes in development across Greater London, with projects in areas such as Ealing, Kingston, Sutton, and Croydon, all aiming for BREEAM Outstanding ratings, showcasing the firm’s commitment to sustainability and quality in the UK PBSA market.
Subject to planning approval, construction is projected to commence in early 2027, with the development expected to launch in phased openings throughout 2029 and 2030. This ambitious mixed-use scheme not only represents a significant investment in Lewisham but also positions Amro Partners as a key player in the evolving landscape of student accommodation in the UK.