Dominus has handed over a 713-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme to Scape at Hammersmith’s 181 Talgarth Road. This marks Dominus’ first completion for the sector.
Known as Scape Hammersmith, the scheme is the first completed 50% affordable student accommodation scheme in London, in keeping with the London Plan 2021. A nominations agreement in partnership with Imperial College London will allow for truly affordable beds to be made available to the university’s students, contributing to the creation of education opportunities for students from different socio-economic backgrounds. This is Imperial’s first ever agreement with a private PBSA provider, cementing a long partnership between the University and Scape.
“Imperial’s partnership with Scape, in close collaboration with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, allows us to secure high-quality, affordable accommodation for our students within a key WestTech location close to our South Kensington and White City Deep Tech campuses. We’re pleased with the outcome of this development and the opportunity it presents to support the wider needs of our student body.”
John Anderson, Chief Investment Officer, Imperial College London
To deliver the scheme, Dominus and Scape completed the UK’s largest ever forward-funding deal for the PBSA sector at £173.25m.
Designed by RSHP, led by Ivan Harbour, known for his work on the iconic Lloyd’s of London building, Scape Hammersmith is the architecture practice’s first completed student accommodation scheme. RSHP worked with landscape architects Gillespies to design the shared garden courtyard and space for pop-ups and events.
“Scape Hammersmith sits alongside a major urban artery and, together with a neighbouring hotel, completes a small sun-filled square. As respite from the bustle of the city, the square is the focus for both buildings and contributes to the wider public realm as Hammersmith town centre expands.
“The building itself comprises student accommodation of which 50% is affordable. The planted stepped terracing was developed in consultation with local residents and the distinctive pixelated facade of solid, translucent and glazed panels, is designed to mitigate any sense of overlooking to neighbouring properties.”
Ivan Harbour, Senior Design Director, RSHP
Through its Community Liaison Group, Dominus worked hand in hand with local residents, enabling them to feed into the design and receive frequent updates on the scheme which was granted unanimous approval at committee.
Dominus also worked closely with main contractor HG Construction to deliver BREEAM Excellent buildings ahead of schedule.
“Delivering Scape Hammersmith ahead of schedule is testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams and also reflects our strong and successful collaboration with Dominus and Scape.
“We are committed to creating high-quality, sustainable spaces where students can thrive, with over 25 years’ experience in this sector. This is our 12th scheme for our longstanding client Scape, and our second for Dominus, and we are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with both companies on upcoming projects.”
Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, HG Construction
Elsewhere in the capital, Dominus is on site delivering over 2,300 student homes in the City of London at 65 Crutched Friars, 65 Fleet Street, and 61-65 Holborn Viaduct. Outside of London, it recently received consent for a 173-bed PBSA scheme in Glasgow and a 549-bed PBSA scheme in Bristol.
“Scape Hammersmith’s completion three months earlier than scheduled, in collaboration with our project team, Dominus, is a huge milestone for Scape. The scheme’s 25-year nominations agreement with Imperial College London will be the university’s first, cementing our long-term partnership, and enabling us to pair Imperial’s world class education with Scape’s premium PBSA.
“Not only is the scheme in close proximity to Charing Cross Hospital, providing excellent accommodation for Imperial’s medical students, this alliance will allow us to deliver truly affordable, quality accommodation to those who need it most, opening the door for students who otherwise would not be able to afford.“
Tom Sutcliffe, Commercial Director – UK & Ireland, Scape and Morro
The completion of Scape Hammersmith follows Dominus’ delivery of a 400-key Premier Inn hotel, one of London’s largest, to the south of the same site in 2024, bringing the developer’s total delivery at the location to over 1,100 beds.
“Following last year’s successful delivery of one of London’s largest Premier Inn hotels, we’re delighted to have now completed our first student accommodation scheme ahead of schedule, providing much-needed homes for London’s students.
“These two best-in-class assets, delivered in partnership with HG Construction, total more than 1,100 beds for Scape and Federated Hermes.
“Our speciality sectors of student-living and hotels have become increasingly appealing to institutional investors. This milestone at Talgarth Road is testament to our continued confidence as we now focus on delivering our pipeline of over 3,700 student beds and 1,200 hotel rooms across the UK.”
Preet Ahluwalia, Chief Executive Officer, Dominus
