Unite Students has filed plans for what it hopes will be the most environmentally sustainable student digs yet.
The UK’s largest provider of student accommodation has submitted a planning application for an 843-bed block, nestled between the Westway flyover and the Grand Union Canal at Baltic Wharf, Paddington, W2.
The application includes plans for 19,375 sq ft of landscaping, which it said would lead to an 850% uplift in biodiversity. Alongside this, the seven roof terraces planed for the scheme will collect up to 10,000 litres of rainwater, which will be used to irrigate the site and even flush the toilets.
The project will be net-zero-carbon during construction, and once up and running the building will use only renewable sources of heat and energy.
Unite group property director Nick Hayes said: “We are aiming for this to be our first-ever building that is fully net-zero-carbon. The development will reuse rainwater, maximise natural light, will be fully insulated and will use 100% renewable sources of heat and electricity.
“The new development at Paddington will also help to meet the considerable unmet demand that exists for student housing in London, while also bringing substantial social and economic benefits to the area.”
Just over a third of the rooms – 295 of the 843 – will be offered at affordable rents.
Unite bought the scheme in November from Travis Perkins, which will continue to operate on the site, for £150m. Make Architects designed the scheme.
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