Ealing Council has approved more purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and office space at Exchange Plaza on Uxbridge Road.
The site already had a planning consent in place from January 2017. However, the scheme is now being revised and repurposed to meet changes in the economy, particularly around decreased business demand for large-format commercial office space in the location.
The proposed scheme designed by architects Corstorphine and Wright will bring forward a major mixed-use scheme that combines PBSA along with high-quality, fit for purpose commercial office space that will be revised and redesigned to meet current local business requirements, alongside affordable workspace and a high quality public realm and enhanced local amenities.
The scheme placed a strong emphasis on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the local business community as a means to foster economic growth and drive local prosperity.
“The proposal is to deliver 504 beds over 20 floors, including the ground. The Ground floor will comprise the student amenity facilities and the PBSA rooms will be located on floors 1-19.
“The 504 beds will be a mix of 258 self-contained studios and 189 cluster rooms with differing sizes, layouts and aspects, to offer a range of price points to the students.
“The Student Accommodation Building will include shared social spaces on the ground floor, including common room, study areas, wellness area and a gym. Other facilities on site will include laundry room, accessible roof terraces and secure cycle storage.”
Richard Leedham, purpose-built student accommodation plan, April 2024
The new development will deliver a 10 to twenty-storey mixed-use development comprising PBSA with a ground-floor flexible hub and office floorspace with associated ground-floor uses, together with related outdoor amenity spaces, landscaping, public realm improvements, cycle and DDA vehicle parking, refuse storage and ancillary and enabling works.
The accommodation – which will be managed by Homes for Students – will be close to the University of West London and the newly built Elizabeth Line, which provides easy access to other Central London Universities.
“Homes for Students will provide a professional accommodation management service to ensure that the accommodation is safe, clean and integrates into the local community.
Richard Leedham, purpose-built student accommodation plan, April 2024
“The management team and staff will take ownership of ensuring the students are cared for and will work closely with the University to ensure that pastoral care is provided to all students living in the accommodation.
“Homes for Students will ensure that students understand their responsibilities to care for the accommodation, other students, and the local environment.”
45% of students in Ealing are housed in private rented accommodation, and only 21% live in private halls. There are currently 4.9 students requiring accommodation for every available PBSA bedroom. This development will contribute to the student housing shortage in the area.
The Economic Benefits Statement also indicates that construction would support 130 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) gross jobs over three years and there would be monetary obligations of £1,583,366.
