Urbanest, the student accommodation provider has sought pre-planning advice from Tower Hamlets for a redevelopment of three towers of 28, 36 and 46 storeys. The 750,000 square foot development will feature 70 homes for teaching staff and visiting lecturers and a further 1,600 student rooms. Each floor will contain a series of on floor neighborhoods and shared kitchen and dining facilities.
The lower podium levels include flexible work and incubator space, communal student areas, a cycle surgery, small cafe and a McDonald's restaurant. The skybridge includes student lounges and a cinema.
The site received planning permission in 2009 for two residential towers, however the site has been left neglected since this time and the approved scheme was never constructed.
Formal planning is expected to be submitted by this Summer, with a view to construction commencing during 2021 if successful.