Berkeley signs deal to build new student accommodation

Student property developer Berkeley First has agreed a contract with Imperial College London, to provide a £60m development in the capital.

The developer, part of the Berkeley Group, will provide a scheme with 659 bedrooms, across 19 storeys. The One Victoria Road scheme, located in the London borough of Ealing, will provide both apartments and studio accommodation.

As well as the residential concrete flooring, commercial space will be integrated into the site. Presently, it is expected a coffee shop, gym, restaurant and bar will be developed. However, there are other options on the table.

Also being discussed is the development of a chemist, cinema and newsagent. Laboratory space and study centres are also possibilities, along with a provision for Student Union areas.

The contract is the third such partnership between Imperial and Berkeley First, with developments in Battersea and Chelsea having been provided last year. It is also Berkeley First’s second such scheme in the North Acton tube area, with the developer also signing off on a partner scheme with University of the Arts, London in 2012.

Discussing the deal, the MD of Berkeley First, Matthew Biddle, said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Imperial College again on this new landmark student scheme, which will be tailored to the specific requirements of Imperial’s undergraduates. Our focus will once again be on delivering exceptional quality and bespoke design, at attainable rents.”

Due to commence in March of this year, the project is set to be handed over to Imperial in time for the start of the educational year in 2015.