The development will include accommodation for 572 students, a 25 metre swimming pool, a leisure centre and landscaped public amenity space along South Lambeth Road. The architect for the scheme is Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.
The site is located within the London Plan-designated Central Activities Zone (CAZ) and the London Plan-designated Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea Opportunity Area (VNEB OA).
"The scheme would regenerate a site that has been vacant for some time and provide in the region of 41 jobs. The development would deliver lasting social benefits (such as employment), contribute to economic growth in this part of Lambeth, and contribute a much needed activity of benefit to the locality community," said the council's decision letter (54-page / 345KB PDF).
Downing submitted its plans in December 2011 after consultation with local residents. Feedback from the public led to the planned length of the swimming pool being extended from 20m to 25m.
The developer also changed the choice of cladding for the skyscraper to terracotta material after consulting with the Council, the Greater London Authority and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).
The developers plan to start work on the site immediately and plan to complete in the summer 2014.
