MDPL Group submit planning for 17-storey PBSA in South London

A former office block in South London could be turned into a 17-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) building with over 300 student rooms. The plans were put forward recently to Greenwich Council by the MDPL Group.

The site on Beresford Street in Woolwich, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, would also include an accompanying hotel with 265 rooms. Additionally, there would be a public restaurant and bar attached to the development. Half of the student rooms would be affordable, with a cafe and gym also part of the scheme.

There will also be plant space, refuse/recycling store, landscaping, servicing zones, disabled car parking, cycle parking and associated works. The site comprises an area of approximately 0.43 hectares.

“The student ground floor amenity spaces will be modern and functional, offering a vibrant living environment for students that fosters a sense of community and promotes wellbeing, with exceptional amenities to enhance the student living experience.”

Planning statement

Currently, two 1960s office buildings currently stand on the site, with the plans stating the internal spaces of the structures are in poor condition and require refurbishment. A two-storey structure used to link the two existing buildings would be torn down and replaced by a new public realm space.

The office buildings were vacated by the RB Greenwich and His Majesties Revenue and Customs many years ago.

“The new pathway through the site will improve connectivity from Beresford Street to Woolwich town centre. This enhancement will provide a more convenient walking route for the local community, students and hotel guests.”

Planning statement

The project reportedly developed through a series of meetings with the local authority dates back to November 2023. A public consultation was then carried out at the end of July 2024.

Planning documents from Studio Moren, on behalf of the MDPL Group, also highlighted that the new hotel would provide 115 new jobs to the area.

“Moving forward, the permeant aspiration for the Site is to bring forward a scheme that will regenerate and
revitalise this existing Town Centre site with a mix of uses.
“The primary ambition is to create a noteworthy addition to Woolwich gateway through the conversion of
the existing buildings, maximising the opportunity for additional height, making efficient use of existing
previously developed land and buildings and proposing elevation upgrades to improve thermal efficiency
and aesthetic appearance. The scheme would result in sustainability advantages through the retention of
the structure and embodied carbon on the site.”

Full planning application, Santec UK Limited