Office buildings in Newham that have never been used by a single business will become 628 student homes

A group of office buildings which have sat vacant since they were built could be turned into new student accommodation for up to 628 people. The office buildings, which are located in the Royal Docks and not far from London City Airport in Newham, were originally part of bold plans to transform the area into a vibrant business hub.

However, the plans never got off the ground as the office blocks failed to attract any businesses to the area, which planning officers at Newham Council say was due to changes in the economy and the rise of hybrid working following the pandemic. The plans have been submitted by RAD CHP Ltd, a Royal Docks developer, which wants to turn the vacant land into new student halls, comprising 208 studios, with the remaining 420 en-suite rooms.

According to council documents, there is a 371 sq m site which could potentially be converted into shops, restaurants, a crèche or crèche and even a gym to support students and residents who live nearby. The student halls are planned to be split into two blocks, located in Royal Albert Quay and Lascars Avenue West.

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As a car-free development, the plans aim to provide 475 long-stay cycle spaces and 36 short-stay cycle spaces, excluding six blue badge car parks. During the public consultation stage, 10,154 neighboring properties were sent letters about the plans, which received two objections and three responses in support.

One opponent said: “These buildings were not designed for housing, they were designed for office space. On visual inspection they do not appear to have adequate drainage for multi-occupancy residential use”. They were also concerned that there would be a strain on local police services and GPs if hundreds of students lived in the area.

In response, planning officers said the office blocks would undergo a full internal refurbishment to provide “good quality” student accommodation. They also said work had been carried out with the Met Police on safety and crime prevention plans and a health impact assessment found there was sufficient provision of GPs in the area to cater for both residents , as well as students, without putting “undue pressure” on general medicine services.

However, the Met Police said it had not been approached by the applicant to discuss crime prevention pre-planning and, while it has no general objections to the plans, there are concerns about the lack of security measures to ensure a number so large of students. kept safe because they are “more at risk of being victims of crime than others in their age group”.

Meanwhile, a couple who have lived nearby for almost 40 years said they were in support of the plans as they believed it would revitalize the area along this part of the Docklands. They said: “It was very sad to see these buildings sit empty for so long and it will be great to see them put to good use for student accommodation.

“The other facilities on offer will be just as important to the wider community. It will provide a new, useful and vibrant focal point for everyone from young students to residents much older than ourselves.” Planning officers said the site was not far from the University of East London (UEL) and, although there was no formal agreement between the developer and the university, it would be a “great opportunity” to expand its campus if UEL students would be able to live there.

UEL supports the planning application and nomination consent for a new campus will subsequently be required to ensure the plans benefit Newham residents. Planning officers said in council documents: “It is important to note that the site has been vacant for a number of years and the proposal provides an opportunity to bring the buildings back into use and create a vibrant community which will attract more businesses to the area and create employment opportunities as a result”. Newham Council’s strategic development committee has been recommended to approve the plans, which will be discussed at a meeting tomorrow night (June 18).

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