The scheme includes the construction of four blocks to comprise a total of 770 student bedrooms, 33 affordable homes, offices, shops and a health centre. A central pedestrian route will be created to run through the development. The 1.48 hectare site has been vacant since 2008 when the commercial buildings forming the business park were demolished.
The site is included in the Council's revised Area Action Plan (AAP) for Canada Water, which is currently out for public consultation. The draft revision designates the site for employment use, with residential and student accommodation identified as 'other acceptable uses'.
The AAP also considers the potential to develop a new university campus on the adjoining Harmsworth Quays site. The Council said that King's College had expressed an interest in taking such a scheme forward and the Council's planning officers welcomed this in the committee report (75-page / 500KB PDF).
"This would be a very significant benefit not just for Canada Water but for the borough, in terms of inward investment, job creation and the reputational benefits of a world class educational institution locating in this part of the borough," the planning officers said.
"King's College is an internationally renowned and respected university of great standing and I welcome them to an exciting part of the borough, this can only add to the progress made as part of the AAP, including the new super-library, new homes and public space," said Council leader Peter John in a statement.
"The decision supports the Council's aspirations to create a vibrant town centre for Canada Water and opens doors to the potential for a new campus in the adjacent Harmsworth Quays area. I look forward to what the students will bring to the area and hope that they will make it their permanent home in years to come," he added.
