There are plans to redevelop an office near Waterloo Station in London into purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
This marks European developer HB Reavis’s first step into the UK’s student housing market after so far focusing on office developments in London, most recently at Worship Square.
Steven Skinner, chief executive of HB Reavis Development, said: “This project marks an exciting next step for HB Reavis development projects as we step into the student living sector.
“Following the success of our Worship Square office development which completed last year and is already nearing total occupancy, we’re bringing our people-centric approach to a new audience.
“10 Leake Street is a fantastic opportunity to create high-quality, sustainable student homes in one of London’s most vibrant and well-connected neighbourhoods.”
Having appointed PLP Architecture to lead on designing the project, HB Reavis aims to deliver a sustainable building targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification.
The development will offer a mix of studios and shared accommodation, with communal areas on each floor, and 10% accessible units.
The scheme will integrate renewable energy systems, low-carbon technologies and high-quality cycle storage to support sustainable living.
Andrei Martin, partner at PLP Architecture, said: “We are delighted to be working with HB Reavis on their first purpose-built student accommodation project in the UK.
“Set on Leake Street – where London’s infrastructure doubles as an open-air gallery – the design stacks living, learning, and socialising into a vibrant ecosystem that’s as dynamic and expressive as the neighbourhood it inhabits.”
Public consultation events are scheduled in May and June ahead of planning submission intended for summer 2025.