Student accommodation developer Unite Students has received planning approval for a 952-bed property in east London and 500-bed scheme at one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects in Bristol.
The Meridian Square development in Stratford, near Westfield Stratford City shopping centre, will be a 41-storey tower targeted to complete in 2028.
Construction of a new entrance and exit to Stratford Underground station is part of the plans, as well as 12,390 sq. ft of commercial space.
The planning application was supported by University College London (UCL).
The Freestone Island development, in Bristol’s Temple Quarter, has total development costs of £73 million, and is set to open in 2026.
It will also provide 4,500 sq. ft of workspace, and is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and EPC of ‘A’.
Unite is working with the University of Bristol through a nomination agreement on the property, which will guarantee rooms for the university’s students.
A total of 333 beds will be let at affordable rents, 30 will be in self-contained studio flats, while the rest will be in shared flats of five to 10 bedrooms, with one in 10 with wheelchair access.
Tom Brewerton, group development director at Unite Students, said “Unite Students is leading the purpose-built student accommodation sector and these London and Bristol developments are unique offerings in their respective cities – two cities where we already have a strong footing and are committed to investing in further.
“We are excited to get started with construction in the swiftest possible timescale.”
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