LSE 1,945-bed student scheme at Bankside approved for start in 2027
Bouygues UK to lead on one of central London’s largest PBSA schemes.
27 March 2026
Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of Bankside House into a 1,945-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme for the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
The project, being delivered by Bouygues UK in partnership with LSE and infrastructure investor Equitix, will replace the existing mid-century building at Sumner Street with a large-scale student residential development in central London.
Designed by Carmody Groarke and Sheppard Robson, the scheme will comprise three stepped towers of 24, 26 and 28 storeys, linked by lower-rise pavilions and arranged around landscaped courtyards. The design introduces new pedestrian routes and active ground floor uses, connecting the site more closely with the surrounding Bankside area.
The development represents one of the largest student accommodation schemes in central London and forms a key part of LSE’s long-term estate strategy, which aims to increase university-controlled bed spaces and reduce reliance on the private rental market.
In addition to student accommodation, the scheme will incorporate a range of public and community uses, including a community hub, classrooms, a café and retail space. New public realm and car-free landscaped areas are also included within the plans.
Sustainability is a central feature of the project, which is targeting BREEAM Excellent with an ambition for Outstanding, alongside Passivhaus certification for operational energy performance. The all-electric development will incorporate high-performance building fabric and rooftop solar generation, with a focus on minimising both operational and embodied carbon.
Bouygues UK will lead both development and construction of the scheme, progressing towards a planned start on site in 2027. Completion is scheduled ahead of the 2032 academic year.
The project highlights continued investment in large-scale student accommodation in London, as universities and developers respond to sustained demand and pressure on housing supply in the capital.
