Construction is primed to commence on Southern Grove Real Estate’s latest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project located in Limehouse, following the successful receipt of Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator. This crucial approval allows work to advance on the 111-bed scheme situated at Blount Street, with contractor Boom Construction announcing that the site has been cleared in preparation for the start of construction. The development is anticipated to be completed in time for the 2027 academic year.
The Development Details
Designed by DMWR Architects, this seven-storey building will feature 111 student rooms complemented by ample communal amenity spaces, community-focused incubator facilities, and ground floor commercial accommodation. The total gross internal area of the project is approximately 4,430 sqm, representing a significant investment of around £15 million. Boom Construction remarked that achieving this approval signifies ‘a significant milestone’ for the initiative. They noted that the determination period for this approval illustrated ‘a marked improvement on typically reported timelines’ due to a thorough submission that was prepared in collaboration with the wider project team.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout the planning and development phases, this project faced numerous challenges, which the team successfully navigated thanks to the talent and dedication of both designers and contractors. Adam Blacker, Design Director at DMWR Architects, expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “This project presented many challenges, which we were able to overcome alongside a talented design team and contractors. We are now looking forward to delivering this high-quality PBSA development.” Gateway 2 approval is a key requirement outlined in the Building Safety Act for higher-risk buildings, enabling construction to move forward once the Building Safety Regulator has assessed the detailed design and safety information of the project.
Evolution of the Project
The scheme has undergone significant evolution since its initial planning stages. DMWR Architects enhanced the design following an earlier planning application, increasing the capacity from 106 to 111 student beds while also refining the structural and fire safety strategy of the building. Following this redesign, the project was able to secure planning consent and progress through the Gateway 2 process effectively.
Collaboration and Future Prospects
Southern Grove Real Estate is collaborating with Boom Construction to bring the Blount Street project to fruition. The wider project team includes esteemed organisations such as Ingleton Wood, Ashton Fire, Acoustics Central, Neil Tully Associates, NSP Greengage Environmental, Hertfordshire Building Control, and Cast Consultancy. Notably, this Gateway 2 approval also marks the ninth successful Gateway 2 approval for DMWR Architects, with the practice indicating that several further applications are expected to be processed in the upcoming months.