Unite wins planning for 1,000-bed student digs

Unite has won planning for a 1,000-bed student accommodation block in Stratford, east London.

The 28-storey scheme will be built next to the giant shopping mall Westfield Stratford. The project received planning approval from the Olympic Delivery Authority this week.

The scheme forms a key part of Unite’s plan to build 4,000 new beds in the capital by 2014.

Richard Simpson, managing director of property for Unite, said: “The scheme in Stratford represents a further milestone in our target to substantially expand our presence in the key London market, and brings us a step closer to reaching our goal of creating 4,000 new beds in the capital between 2012 and 2014.

“We are particularly excited about this scheme, and are confident that the continued investment being made in the area, as a result of the Olympic Games, coupled with a favourable and ongoing supply/demand dynamic in the student accommodation sector in London, will make this scheme a great success.”

John Burton, director of Westfield Stratford City, said: “This development is a great addition to Stratford and the transformation taking place in east London.

“The accommodation Unite propose to deliver will complement the retail and leisure at Westfield Stratford City as well as the 1.1 million ft² of offices we are delivering, together with homes and hotels.

“The area is undergoing major change and the opening of Westfield Stratford City this year represented the first piece of the long term legacy.”