Greenwich to Welcome Two Impressive 27-Storey Student Tower Blocks

Plans have been submitted to Greenwich Council for the construction of two high-rise towers designed for student accommodation on the Greenwich Peninsula, with one reaching nearly 30 storeys in height. The proposal, put forth by the luxury student accommodation developer YourTribe, includes a 27-storey building featuring 673 student bed spaces, alongside a 23-storey structure that would offer 380 purpose-built shared living spaces.

The towers are intended to occupy a vacant plot of land situated between the entrance to the Silvertown Tunnel and a gas holder, an area identified for potential redevelopment in the Greenwich local plan. YourTribe contends that this location is ideal for student housing, benefitting from excellent transport links, being just 0.2 miles from North Greenwich Station, and within walking distance of Ravensbourne University, the University of Greenwich, and the Greenwich campus of Coventry University London.

Modern Living Spaces for Students

The proposed accommodation will predominantly consist of studio-style flats, each equipped with ensuite bathrooms. Larger units will feature basic kitchen facilities, while communal kitchen and dining areas will be available for students on each floor. In addition to private living spaces, the development aims to include a variety of amenities such as games rooms, social lounges, study areas, and a gym. Both towers are also designed to feature a roof terrace that provides a view over the Thames.

This car-free development plans to offer just four accessible car parking spaces, alongside 338 long-stay cycle spaces in one tower and 190 in the other, as well as 36 short-stay cycle spaces for visitors. Planning documents indicate that the design of the buildings aims to present a “confident, well-ordered pair of structures” that will enhance the emerging character of the peninsula.

Strong Support from Local Educational Institutions

Jon Kingsbury, Vice Chancellor of Ravensbourne University, has expressed his support for the project, noting that the university has been in regular discussions with YourTribe since 2022 regarding these plans. He highlighted the significant demand for student accommodation in the area, stating that in 2025, 485 Ravensbourne students applied for merely 188 available accommodation places, which he described as a “substantial undersupply against demand.”

In a supportive letter, Mr Kingsbury remarked: “The availability of affordable, high-quality, and well-located residential options for our students is becoming of paramount importance to us, as it is for all London higher education institutions. Demand for student numbers is predicted to rise in London, and without suitable, purpose-built student housing, this will exert pressure on the local housing market and diminish student satisfaction. We believe that YourTribe’s proposal will benefit both the higher education sector and the local community.”

Future Developments on the Peninsula

The plans for the student towers, which can be accessed through the Greenwich Council planning portal under reference 26/2018/F, are part of a series of high-rise developments slated for the peninsula, which is anticipated to undergo significant redevelopment in the near future. In 2024, Greenwich Council approved plans for a 26-storey and a 22-storey tower on the opposite side of the gas holder. The masterplan for Greenwich Peninsula also includes proposals for buildings as tall as 34 storeys.

For those interested in sharing a story or further information, please contact cameron.blackshaw@reachplc.com. Stay informed about the latest local developments by signing up for the MySouthLondon newsletter for daily news updates and more.