Permission sought for student housing skyscraper in south London

The proposed plans submitted to the London Borough of Lambeth include 572 student rooms, a community gym and a community swimming pool. The community facilities would be available for use by the general public. It is proposed that the scheme would be built on 30-60 South Lambeth Road.

The development scheme, called "Vauxhall ower", includes two roof terraces and, if it proceeds, will be Downing’s first development in London.

The developer has consulted with local residents on the scheme and has revised the plans to respond to feedback. A public exhibition was held in September and the "majority of people who returned feedback were supportive of the scheme", the developer said.

Downing has revised its plans to include a 25 metre swimming pool, instead of the 20m pool originally proposed. This decision was made following a review of the feedback given during the consultation and the request from local residents for a bigger swimming pool, the developer said.

"We are hopeful that this can be delivered to ensure the swimming pool will be of the greatest benefit to local residents and swimming groups," said Downing.

Following consultation with Lambeth Borough Council, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and the Greater London Authority, the choice of cladding for the skyscraper was changed to a terracotta material, "to reflect the tone and texture of the buildings in the neighbouring conservation area". 

The new leisure facilities would be available for use by local residents and the swimming pool would be at lower ground-level and visible from South Lambeth Road. It is hoped that this would create "an animated street-scene", the developer said, and provide a boost to local businesses and increase the trade in the area.