Student housing for former Blackfriars Crown Court
Plans submitted for 600-bed PBSA with social rent homes
27 August 2025
Architects Howells has submitted a planning application for a major redevelopment of the former Blackfriars Crown Court site on Loman Street, Southwark. The client is iQ Student Accommodation, one of the UK’s leading PBSA developers and operators.
The proposal features a 600-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme alongside 71 new social rent homes, transforming a disused city block into a mixed-use development with a strong emphasis on community integration and public realm enhancement.
Located just outside the King’s Bench Conservation Area, the site falls within a designated Opportunity Area. The scheme is designed to respond to Southwark's industrial and residential character through a contextually sensitive architectural approach. The proposal includes two brick buildings with distinct identities, incorporating fine detailing and proportion to establish a sense of permanence and quality.
The student housing will consist of a mix of studios and en-suite cluster rooms arranged around a central courtyard, which will serve as a communal hub and amenity space. The layout is intended to encourage interaction among residents, supported by additional outdoor spaces including a quieter secondary courtyard and a rooftop terrace.
The 71 affordable homes will be delivered as 100% social rent units, all dual aspect, and arranged around a private gated courtyard with dedicated play areas and communal space. This residential element is intended to address local housing need while enhancing safety and fostering community.
The scheme introduces a new pedestrian route through the site, linking Loman Street and Pocock Street, and improving overall permeability in the area. Ground floor uses will include a café and flexible commercial space, activating the street frontage and creating a welcoming environment for residents and the wider community.
The design incorporates four distinct courtyard spaces tailored to different uses: two student-focused courtyards, a rooftop amenity terrace, and a landscaped pedestrian link that doubles as a public green space and children’s play area. Visual permeability is enhanced through ground-level transparency, offering views into social spaces and reinforcing the development’s openness.
According to planning documents, the scheme aims to relieve pressure on local housing by providing dedicated student accommodation, reducing reliance on HMOs, while also delivering high-quality, affordable homes for local people. The design prioritises connectivity, safety, and community interaction across all elements of the development.