Arada London submits plans for 516-bed student accommodation & 55 affordable homes in the heart of Peckham

• Designed with everyday life in mind and following extensive engagement with the community to ensure the development complements Peckham’s local character
• Affordable housing provision equivalent to 42.2%, exceeding the minimum requirements
• Reinforces Arada London’s commitment to accelerating the delivery of new residential supply in sought after locations

Arada London, part of the UAE-based master-developer Arada with a pipeline of 17,000 homes in the capital, has submitted a planning application to the London Borough of Southwark for a new residential development combining affordable homes with purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) on Blackpool Road in Peckham.

The site is on a 1.4-acre brownfield plot, and the proposed development would comprise two buildings: the first delivering 55 social rent homes, including maisonettes on the ground floor and apartments above, providing much-needed affordable housing for Southwark residents; the second featuring 516 PBSA beds, supporting London’s thriving student population. The provision of affordable housing is equivalent to 42.2%. Alongside this, the plans also include c.1,200 sq ft of ground floor commercial and community spaces.

Both buildings have been thoughtfully designed with everyday life in mind and following extensive engagement with the community to ensure the development complements Peckham’s local character. The affordable homes will come with a dedicated play area for children, private outdoor space for every home, generous living spaces and good natural light. The student building will offer an extensive range of amenities, such as communal lounges, a gym, laundry facilities and dedicated study and social spaces, as well as a roof terrace to take in Peckham’s skyline. Both buildings will also be arranged around landscaped courtyards.

The proposals also include enhanced, pedestrianised public realm and 376 cycle storage spaces, a nod to the area’s easy access to central London by bike. Sustainability runs through the whole scheme with plans for air source heat pumps serving both buildings and the roof area maximised for photovoltaic panels.

The scheme has been designed by Morris+Company, the London-based architect practice with deep expertise in housing, healthcare, schools and neighbourhood masterplans, among other areas. Arada London is also working with Morris+Co on its mixed-use scheme on Jamestown Road and Arlington Road in Camden Town.

Just an eight-minute walk away from Rye Lane, the development sits at the centre of London’s most characterful neighbourhoods. Peckham is known for its creative energy and mix of independent shops and markets, alongside popular cultural destinations such as Peckham Arch and Peckham Levels. The area also offers excellent transport links and green spaces such as Peckham Rye Park & Common.

The new development is expected to contribute lasting economic benefit, with residents anticipated to contribute approximately £9.9 million of spending to the Local Area per annum.

Elsewhere in Southwark, Arada London is planning to bring forward its first co-living project in the capital, as well as a hotel near Elephant & Castle.

Steve Harrington, Planning Director at Arada London, commented:

“From the outset it has been a priority for us that Blackpool Road feels like a natural part of Peckham. We have engaged extensively with the local community to shape these plans, ahead of submission and look forward to working with Southwark Council on the next steps. London faces a pressing need for genuinely affordable, high -quality homes and well-located student accommodation, and Blackpool Road is designed to meet both.

“The scheme reflects policy objectives, addressing the shortfall of housing by making the most of brownfield land, while honouring the character of Peckham and delivering public realm that the whole community can take pride in.”