HG Construction has delivered a 713-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Hammersmith for Dominus ahead of programme.
Known as Scape Hammersmith, the scheme is located at 181 Talgarth Road, and is the first completed 50% affordable student accommodation scheme in London. To deliver the scheme, Dominus and Scape completed the UK’s largest ever forward-funding deal for the PBSA sector at £173.25 million.
The completion of Scape Hammersmith follows HG Construction’s delivery of a 400-key Premier Inn hotel, one of London’s largest, to the south of the same site in 2024, bringing total delivery at the location to over 1,100 beds. HG Construction’s innovative off-site manufacturing arm, HG Offsite Solutions, provided bathroom pods on both the PBSA and hotel schemes, delivering programme, quality and environmental benefits.
Both buildings were designed by RSHP, led by Ivan Harbour, known for his work on the iconic Lloyd’s of London building. Scape Hammersmith is the architecture practice’s first completed student accommodation scheme. RSHP worked with landscape architects Gillespies to design the shared garden courtyard and space for pop-ups and events.
HG Construction worked closely with Dominus to deliver both BREEAM Excellent buildings ahead of schedule. Through its Community Liaison Group, Dominus worked hand in hand with local residents, enabling them to feed into the design and receive frequent updates on the scheme which was granted unanimous approval at committee.
Preet Ahluwalia, Chief Executive Officer, at Dominus, said:
“Following last year’s successful delivery of one of London’s largest Premier Inn hotels, we’re delighted to have now completed our first student accommodation scheme ahead of schedule, providing much-needed homes for London’s students. These two best-in-class assets, delivered in partnership with HG Construction, total more than 1,100 beds for Scape and Federated Hermes. Our speciality sectors of student-living and hotels have become increasingly appealing to institutional investors. This milestone at Talgarth Road is testament to our continued confidence as we now focus on delivering our pipeline of over 3,700 student beds and 1,200 hotel rooms across the UK.”
Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, HG Construction, said:
“Delivering Scape Hammersmith ahead of schedule is testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams and also reflects our strong and successful collaboration with Dominus and Scape. We are committed to creating high-quality, sustainable spaces where students can thrive, with over 25 years’ experience in this sector. This is our 12th scheme for our longstanding client Scape, and our second for Dominus, and we are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with both companies on upcoming projects.”
Tom Sutcliffe – Commercial Director, UK & Ireland (Scape and Morro) said:
“Scape Hammersmith’s completion three months earlier than scheduled, in collaboration with our project team, Dominus, is a huge milestone for Scape. The scheme’s 25-year nominations agreement with Imperial College London will be the university’s first, cementing our long-term partnership, and enabling us to pair Imperial’s world class education with Scape’s premium purpose-built student accommodation. Not only is the scheme in close proximity to Charing Cross Hospital, providing excellent accommodation for Imperial’s medical students, this alliance will allow us to deliver truly affordable, quality accommodation to those who need it most, opening the door for students who otherwise would not be able to afford.
John Anderson, Chief Investment Officer at Imperial College London said:
“Imperial’s partnership with Scape, in close collaboration with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, allows us to secure high-quality, affordable accommodation for our students within a key WestTech location close to our South Kensington and White City Deep Tech campuses. We’re pleased with the outcome of this development and the opportunity it presents to support the wider needs of our student body.”
Ivan Harbour, Senior Design Director at RSHP said:
“Scape Hammersmith sits alongside a major urban artery and, together with a neighbouring hotel, completes a small sun-filled square. As respite from the bustle of the city, the square is the focus for both buildings and contributes to the wider public realm as Hammersmith town centre expands. The building itself comprises student accommodation of which 50% is affordable. The planted stepped terracing was developed in consultation with local residents and the distinctive pixelated facade of solid, translucent and glazed panels, is designed to mitigate any sense of overlooking to neighbouring properties.”
