We have secured planning consent on behalf of Downing, for a 354 bed student housing scheme in Cambridge, just five months after winning the design competition.
The plans are part of a £75 million scheme which, when complete, will see Downing deliver three six-storey blocks totalling 586 bedrooms. The works are due to start on site in spring 2013 and complete in autumn 2014.
The accommodation will comprise a mixture of contemporary cluster flats and studios with a retail arcade on the ground floor. The building aims to achieve a BREEAM rating of Excellent.
The accommodation forms part of the wider CB1 regeneration scheme close to Cambridge railway station.
Paul Houghton, development director at Downing, said: “Downing has delivered a number of high-profile student accommodation schemes to cities across the UK and we are pleased to bring this high-quality development to Cambridge.
“This is one of the most desirable university cities in the world with a vibrant and expanding student population. Our scheme will provide the highest-standard affordable accommodation to keep up with growing demand.”
Alastair Shepherd, director at Falconer Chester Hall, said: “Working alongside the local authority, we have designed a scheme which will enhance the emerging community, with a retail lined arcade serving both residents and visitors to the city. Modern, high quality, well lit student bedrooms above will provide much needed accommodation as the colleges continue to expand. Sitting next to Cambridge Railway Station, the building is the final piece in the jigsaw for the southern quarter of the CB1 masterplan.”