The London Borough of Lambeth approved the change of use from previous proposals for offices to student acommodation last night.

Designed by award-winning architects AHMM, the scheme will deliver 1,093 student bedrooms, a 65,000 sq ft school and 4,000 sq ft of flexible, affordable work space for small local and start-up companies – alongside a gym and swimming pool.

The site is located on Westminster Bridge Road next to County Hall, walking distance from Waterloo Station and the South Bank, with views across the river to the Houses of Parliament.

Several student room types spanning a range of price points will be coupled with tailor-made communal study areas and a one-off common room with views, from the top floor, of Parliament, The River Thames and the London Eye.

Urbanest has also teamed up with educational provider Alpha Plus Group who will establish and operate the school, which will have the capacity for up to 700 pupils.

Johnny Manns, MD at urbanest said: “The mix of student residential, business, education and leisure uses all on one site will provide a welcome boost to the local economy and deliver an important element of the wider regeneration of the Waterloo area.

“Globally, London is one of the major centres for educational excellence and we are sure that urbanest can complement the educational experience with an unrivalled living experience for students in the capital.’