Ziser London has submitted planning for a 826-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Brent, North London, designed by BB Partnership architects. If plans are approved, the scheme would involve the redevelopment of the Matalan site on Cricklewood Broadway.
In 2023, consent was given for the construction of 238 residential flats but was designed ‘before several regulatory changes’ – such as a secondary fire escape for buildings over 18m – prompting Ziser to propose the new scheme.
The plot would consist of two tower blocks ranging from three to nine storeys. The designs for the development show that 662 of the allocated bed spaces would be en-suite and contained within 82 clusters, with the remaining made up of studios, accessible studios – designed for people with disabilities – and companion rooms, where a student with a disability can have a room-mate or companion to assist them with daily living needs.
Block A would comprise 406 en-suite rooms, 40 studios, 46 accessible studios, and eight companion rooms. Block B would comprise 256 en-suite rooms, 30 studios, and 40 accessible studios. The developers claim the scheme will enable students to ‘move away from residential accommodation and towards purpose-built student accommodation’.
The site is around a ten-minute walk from Cricklewood station, putting it within a 40-minute travel time from the main SOAS University of London hub in Russell Square.
“The proposal has evolved […] it has been carefully designed to ensure it makes a positive contribution to the street scene and at the same time providing good quality accommodation for students. Adjoining development, primarily residential, has been considered thus ensuring amenity has not been detrimentally impacted.”
Statement, Ziser London
