Architect Sheppard Robson has recently submitted plans to Brent Council for an ambitious development in Wembley Park, north-west London, which includes a striking 29-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower and a 14-storey Premier Inn hotel. This project is set to replace an outdated 1990s Premier Inn hotel building and its surrounding car park, effectively revitalising the area and contributing to its ongoing transformation.
Project Overview
The new Premier Inn hotel is designed to accommodate 212 rooms, providing essential lodging facilities for visitors to the area. Adjacent to this, the PBSA tower will offer 605 student bedrooms, catering to the increasing demand for quality student accommodation in London. The development will also include landscaped areas featuring new trees and improved pedestrian crossing points, enhancing the overall environment for residents and visitors alike.
Integration with Wembley Park Masterplan
This significant scheme, commissioned by developer Whitbread, is strategically located opposite Wembley Park station and is intended to seamlessly integrate with the broader Wembley Park Masterplan. The innovative design features two towers that are separated by a two-storey pavilion, which will provide amenities that serve both the hotel and the student accommodation. The surrounding site is designed to ensure wide pavements and landscaped features, promoting a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
Sustainability and Design Considerations
Dan Burr, a partner at Sheppard Robson, articulated the firm’s vision for the project, stating, “Wembley Park Drive brings together a number of the practice’s specialisms in one place – our hotel and PBSA expertise, sustainability team and model-makers all working to inform the design process in different ways and contributing to the dialogue with external stakeholders.” He further explained that the proposal has been developed to address various scales, from the urban skyline to the neighbourhood’s architectural coherence and the human experience of the streetscape.
The design also prioritises sustainability and comfort, incorporating features that address overheating, including mechanical cooling systems alongside a passive design strategy for natural ventilation. These measures aim to comply with the stringent energy and carbon standards set forth by the Greater London Authority.