Downing has received approval from Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) in response to the submission of a planning application for a new 668-unit development in North Acton that will help meet demand for high quality student accommodation and residential units in the area.
The planned 2,235 sq. m development is set to replace the existing Holiday Inn Express, which currently occupies the site on Victoria Road adjacent to North Acton Tube station, and forms part of the wider North Acton Town Centre Cluster masterplan which seeks to provide a vibrant, high-density neighbourhood town centre. The team has been developing the proposals alongside the local authority which has resulted in an updated submission in September 2024.
Downing has received detailed consent for the scheme that will see the redevelopment of the existing site into two towers comprising of a 31 storey, 609-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme, and a 17 storey, 59-unit build-to-rent (BTR) scheme. Additionally, the project will include 35% affordable housing, with 255 sq. m of commercial retail space, and external amenity space. It will also be a car-free development, supporting sustainable travel, with only accessible parking bays being provided.
The development will achieve a 77% reduction in on-site carbon emissions, with Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and Photovoltaic (PV) panels used throughout.
Downing’s proposals include enhanced public realm areas that respond directly to the emerging North Acton public realm plans. The proposals also build in flexibility to accommodate any future station improvements. Within the PBSA building, the proposals include a wildlife garden and a podium courtyard garden, while the BTR building will feature a terrace rooftop garden and play space.
The PBSA scheme has been designed to a BREEAM Excellent standard, will exceed the London Plan CO2 emission reduction, while both towers will have the flexibility to connect to the Local Authority District Heat Network proposals. Sustainable features are included throughout the development. The scheme will also aim to achieve Secured by Design accreditation.
Martin Fenlon, Associate Projects Director at Downing, said: “Situated just outside of the city centre, North Acton is becoming a hotbed of regeneration. It’s vibrant community, unrivalled transport links and proximity to Imperial College London, the University of West London and the University of the Arts make it an ideal home for both UK-based and international students.
“The supply of high-quality student accommodation plays a critical role in supporting the local economy and ensuring that London’s leading educational institutions can retain the best UK-based and international talent. Approval from OPDC to create 668 new homes means we can play our part in supporting the North Acton Town Centre’s wider development plans and we look forward to starting on site.”
The taller of the two towers is a 31-storey student residential building which will have anodised aluminium rainscreen cladding panels interspersed with clear glazing and glazing with a fritted pattern.
Located to the west of the site, the smaller tower will house the 59 BTR units. Plans outline that it will be composed of terracotta rainscreen cladding panels with secondary blue anodised aluminium vent panels with matching framed clear glazing window units.
