![The planned LSE student halls [© Jeudi Wang / Carmody Groark and Sheppard Robson]](/assets/news_articles/2026/03/1774423797_bankside-2--c--jeudi-wang.-credit---carmody-groark-and-sheppard-robson.jpg)
Bouygues UK, in partnership with the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) and infrastructure investor Equitix, has secured planning for the transformative redevelopment of Bankside House.
The new 1,945-bed student residence, located at 24 Sumner Street, SE1 鈥� by the Tate Modern 鈥� is scheduled to break ground in 2027 and is scheduled to open before September 2032.
The approved design features three stepped towers of 24, 26 and 28 storeys, linked by two low-rise pavilions, all arranged around landscaped courtyards. At ground level, new public routes and active frontages will connect Sumner Street with the wider Bankside cultural quarter.
The scheme represents one of the largest purpose-built student accommodation developments in central London, replacing the existing mid-century office conversion with what 聽Bouygues calls 鈥渁 landmark piece of civic architecture鈥�.
Around 60% of the LSE鈥檚 12,000 full-time students currently rely on London鈥檚 private rental market for accommodation. The university is keen to be able to offer more accommodation of its own and the Bankside redevelopment will make a significant contribution to easing housing pressure for its students.
Bouygues UK is leading both the development and construction of the project, working with design partners Carmody Groarke and Sheppard Robson.
The scheme targets BREEAM Excellent, with an aspiration for Outstanding, Bouygues said. The building will be all-electric, with high-performance insulation and extensive rooftop solar panels, achieving operational energy use of between 45 and 55 kWh/m虏/year.
Bouygues UK will target more than 99% diversion of construction waste from landfill and ensure at least 20% of materials by value are recycled or reused.
Bouygues UK managing director Oliver Campbell said: 鈥淪ecuring planning permission for Bankside House is a landmark moment for Bouygues UK and for the student accommodation sector in London. In partnership with LSE and Equitix, we鈥檝e developed a scheme that puts affordability, sustainability and community at its core. We鈥檙e proud of the role we have had in bringing this project from concept to consent, and we look forward to delivering a building that will stand as a genuine piece of civic architecture for generations to come.鈥�
LSE director of estates Julian Robinson added: 鈥淭his is the culmination of a ten-year engagement with the borough on the redevelopment of our Bankside residences. Working with the Southwark team we have crafted an affordable, sustainable and high-quality design which will make a significant contribution to the borough. The scheme鈥檚 civic offer is incredibly strong with genuine public access and community uses integrated within the building and we can鈥檛 wait to see LSE鈥檚 world class estate extended south of the river."
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