Hammersmith And Fulham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A proposed 14-storey building in Hammersmith aims to improve the community area by adding 179 student rooms, a library and cafe on the ground floor.
There are proposals to demolish a vacant office building in Hammersmith, Fulham, and replace it with a new 14-storey hostel complex, the concept being built on behalf of pension investment company Royal London, with a ground-floor library.
It involved adding 179 rooms to the Hammersmith town centre property along with a new ground floor library and café.
“It will ‘breathe new life into the area’,” said Joseph Kane, Senior Development Manager at Royal London Asset Management Property. Hammersmith Station is only a short stroll from the redevelopment site. It is adjacent to the Irish Cultural Centre, which hosts anything from music concerts to films and serves as a venue for council meetings on occasions.
Planning documents specify with campuses close by, including at Charing Cross Hospital and Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London has affirmed “in-principle support” for the suggested housing.
The 179 rooms are said to help the borough meet its housing goals by freeing up typical homes that are currently used by students.
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.”
What are the plans for Hammersmith’s 14- storey transformation?
On the ground level, there will be a community area that the Irish Cultural Centre plans to use as a new café and library. Ten percent of the 179 rooms will be readily available and thirty-five percent will be reasonably priced.
Vacant office block perfect location for student flats, says property firm https://t.co/gnbtpAxsS0 pic.twitter.com/n8eQgqv62Y
— South London Press (@SthLondonPress) January 15, 2025
However, there are no planned parking spots for cars on the property; instead, there will be bike parking in the basement.
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.”
In the meantime, the Hammersmith pedestrian bridge near the station will be demolished. And in the next few years 3,000 new homes will be built near the station. Landmarks will be replaced with ‘flyers’.
How is Hammersmith borough providing accommodation to student housing shortages?
More than 400,000 students live in London. The number increases every year. This increase has increased the demand for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
The report says there is a shortage of nearly 30,000 school beds in London, highlighting the urgent need for new developments such as in Hammersmith…
Hammersmith and Fulham County have set ambitious targets for sustainability and carbon reduction new developments It is encouraged to incorporate green building practices and energy-efficient construction.
The proposed 14-storey student housing building is not only intended to meet immediate student housing needs. But it also aligns with wider urban regeneration and sustainability goals in Hammersmith.