Plans for 36-storey tower block next to O2 Arena approved

The new tower block on Peninsula Square will include 820 student rooms, 35 per cent of which would be ‘affordable’.

The site is between the O2 Arena and North Greenwich Tube station and the new building will serve as a gateway between Tube and bus services in the area.

The project, sent by Crosstree, will also include room for shops on its ground floor, communal gardens and shared spaces for students including a study room and bar.

A view of the building on Peninsula Square while looking north (Credit: Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands / Crosstree)

The plans were discussed at a planning meeting for Greenwich Council on February 6. Labour Councillor Gary Dillon cited concerns at the meeting on whether the rooftop terraces planned for the structure would be enclosed.

Cllr Dillon said: “Normally when we look at tall buildings, there’s some sort of caging when you get to a certain height because you don’t want things thrown over the side. Accidents happen.”

Council officers clarified that a railing would be in place at the roof terrace level.

Matt Mason, speaking on behalf of Crosstree, added that the rooftop areas would be located on the narrowest floor of the building so it would be difficult for objects thrown off the building to reach the ground level given the tiered design of the structure.

A view of the building on Peninsula Square while looking south (Credit: Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands / Crosstree)

Planning documents from Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, on behalf of Crosstree, said a previous project was approved for the site in 2018 for a 36-storey block containing 262 flats.

However, the previous developer AEG decided not to pursue the project and Crosstree bought the site. Conservative Councillor Pat Greenwell asked the applicant to explain the reasoning behind the height of the structure.

Don Messenger, the planning advisor for the scheme, said at the meeting: “This is an opportunity area right by a Tube station… There’s previous planning permission for a very similar height.

"What we think we are doing is making the best use of that land but delivering more affordable housing in terms of affordable student accommodation.”

Council documents also said that the applicant would be contributing £300,000 to upgrading existing NHS treatment spaces, in order to mitigate the impact of the development.

The scheme is also intended to support students at Ravensbourne University and University of Greenwich.

Council officers at the meeting said that there are over 11,000 full-time students living in Greenwich, with 62 per cent living in private rented accommodation outside of home or their university.

Planning documents said: “Greenwich Peninsula is currently undergoing a period of rapid growth, with a variety of new developments and communities across the peninsula, of which this project forms a key component. The site is located in a key strategic location with the O2 Arena to the north, North Greenwich station to the west and the new design district to the south.”