The scheme at 7 Brannan Street will deliver 912 bedrooms and is the latest move to diversify the growing residential community at the Docklands district.

Designed by Howells, the tower will feature communal and leisure spaces at ground, mezzanine, ninth and roof levels. Plans also include new ground floor retail and two waterside public gardens.

The project was rejected by Tower Hamlets Council in November last year but was later called in by the mayor’s office, which has now given it the go-ahead.

Tom Venner, chief development officer at Canary Wharf Group, said: “7 Brannan Street will be a fantastic addition to the diverse range of residential offerings at Canary Wharf.”

He added the scheme would help meet demand for student housing in a location offering access to green spaces and strong transport links.

Canary Wharf is already home to more than 3,500 residents and education providers including the UCL School of Management at One Canada Square. The new tower will bring students into the heart of a district long known for finance but now repositioned as a vibrant place to live, work and study.