CGI of proposed student block. Picture: AHMM/SECCHISMITH
January 15, 2025
Plans have been submitted to knock down a vacant office building in Hammersmith and Fulham and replace it with a new 14-storey student accommodation block. The proposal, submitted on behalf of the pensions and investments company Royal London, would see 179 rooms incorporated into the building in Hammersmith town centre, plus a new library and café at the ground floor.
Joseph Kane, Senior Development Manager at Royal London Asset Management Property, said the project will ‘breathe new life into the area’. The site earmarked for the redevelopment is a short walk from Hammersmith Station. It is next to the Irish Cultural Centre, used to host events from films to music performances and an occasional base for council meetings.
Planning documents state Imperial College London, which has nearby campuses such as at Charing Cross Hospital and Hammersmith Hospital, has confirmed ‘in-principle support’ for the proposed accommodation. It is argued the 179 rooms would free up traditional homes currently occupied by students, and will contribute to the borough’s housing targets.
According to a planning statement by the applicant, “The vision for 2 Queen Caroline Street is to establish a cutting-edge, sustainable, PBSA [Purpose-Built Student Accommodation] development that sets the benchmark in the market. The development aims to leave a lasting legacy of excellence, catering to the needs of future generations of students. Royal London is committed to creating projects that endure over time and are adaptable to the changing demands of investors and occupants.”
No car parking spaces are planned on site, with cycle parking to be available in the basement. Community space is to be included on the ground floor, with the intention that it would be used as a new café and library by the Irish Cultural Centre. Of the 179 rooms, 10 per cent will be accessible, and 35 per cent affordable.
2 Queen Caroline Street. Picture: Google Streetview
Mr Kane said: “We are proud to bring forward this important scheme for Hammersmith. Our aim is to deliver a high-quality building that meets the needs of future generations, while revitalising a prominent town centre site that is currently vacant. With a focus on design for the long-term, community engagement, and architectural excellence, this project will breathe new life into the area.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Irish Cultural Centre, Imperial College London, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and other local stakeholders to bring this vision to fruition.”
Meanwhile there are plans to demolish the Hammersmith Flyover near the station, with 3,000 homes planned in the immediate area in the coming years. A ‘flyunder’ would replace the landmark.
Ben Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter
Value Reading Articles Like This? Help Us Produce More This site remains committed to providing local community news and public interest journalism. Articles such as the one above are integral to what we do. We aim to feature as much as possible on local societies, charities based in the area, fundraising efforts by residents, community-based initiatives and even helping people find missing pets. We've always done that and won't be changing, in fact we'd like to do more. However, the readership that these stories generates is often below that needed to cover the cost of producing them. Our financial resources are limited and the local media environment is intensely competitive so there is a constraint on what we can do. We are therefore asking our readers to consider offering financial support to these efforts. Any money given will help support community and public interest news and the expansion of our coverage in this area. A suggested monthly payment is £8 but we would be grateful for any amount for instance if you think this site offers the equivalent value of a subscription to a daily printed newspaper you may wish to consider £20 per month. If neither of these amounts is suitable for you then contact info@neighbournet.com and we can set up an alternative. All payments are made through a secure web site. One-off donations are also appreciated. Choose The Amount You Wish To Contribute. If you do support us in this way we'd be interested to hear what kind of articles you would like to see more of on the site – send your suggestions to the editor. For businesses we offer the chance to be a corporate sponsor of community content on the site. For £30 plus VAT per month you will be the designated sponsor of at least one article a month with your logo appearing if supplied. If there is a specific community group or initiative you'd like to support we can make sure your sponsorship is featured on related content for a one off payment of £50 plus VAT. All payments are made through a secure web site. |