Driving regeneration with a new student accommodation building on Wembley High Road

Situated within the Wembley Opportunity Area and the Wembley High Road Character Area, the project will further revitalise the High Road with the introduction of a new student building featuring 350 rooms in affordable and private accommodation, alongside communal student amenities and flexible employment and retail space at ground floor level.

A range of student rooms and configurations create variety and choice for residents featuring studio apartments, ‘twodios’ (two rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom) and clusters (multiple bedrooms with shared kitchens and ensuites). Residents will also benefit from extensive internal amenity spaces including study areas, gym, dance studio, lounges, and dining room all with excellent levels of daylight and connections to the outside.

The project will reinforce the street edge whilst also opening up new routes and supporting the council’s wider regeneration plans for Wembley. The new building will be made up of three sections; with a centralised ‘active core’ and two sides for sleeping and living accommodation, creating a stepped profile that joins the transition of heights created by the existing Chesterfield House and the Wembley Links building which is under construction.

The ground floor level has been carefully designed to create active frontages on all four sides of the building. The re-provision of flexible commercial and retail uses along the High Road will help to increase footfall and activate the high street, encouraging movement around the building and creating interest for passing pedestrians.

Subtle variations in brick tones and colours introduces a sensitive mix of textures and profiles to add to the rich architectural palette of Wembley High Road.

With a rapidly evolving student market and the COVID-19 pandemic raising questions about the provisions and needs of student accommodation, the design team undertook an extensive research process with student groups and student advisors, CRM Student, to understand current student needs.