Work has commenced on the Firethorn Living student accommodation project located on the grounds of the former Broadwood piano factory in Hackney Wick, east London, near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Developed by Firethorn Trust and constructed by HG Construction, the scheme will provide 204 student bed spaces, with 35 percent designated as affordable accommodation. The development notably preserves the site’s historic brick chimney, originally built in 1902, maintaining a link to the location’s industrial heritage.

The project is carefully designed to meet modern student needs and sustainability benchmarks. Alongside the living spaces, the development includes amenities such as modern co-working study areas, communal rooms, a private dining space, a gym, and two outdoor roof terraces. Firethorn is seeking to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating for sustainability, reflecting growing industry emphasis on environmentally responsible construction. Furthermore, approximately 1,400 square metres of affordable and incubator workspace will be created within the development to support local creative businesses and entrepreneurs, illustrating the commitment to integrating student housing with local economic development.

Situated within a 15-minute walking distance of University Arts London and UCL East, the project aligns with the London Plan, which guides sustainable development across the capital. Under this framework, 51 percent of the accommodation—encompassing the affordable rooms—will be nominated to a London university partner. The remaining bed spaces will be available for direct let to students, offering a mix of options for university-affiliated and independent residents.

Firethorn Trust is expanding its student accommodation portfolio under its Living platform, with this development marking its third purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project in the UK, following sites in Stratford, London, and Leith Walk, Edinburgh. The Edinburgh scheme has recently reached the topping-out stage and is due for practical completion in September 2026. Firethorn’s broader portfolio also includes the delivery of a 138-bedroom hostel in Dublin and an office-to-residential conversion project in central London.

Paul Martin, development director at Firethorn, expressed optimism about the collaboration with HG Construction, highlighting their expertise in delivering modern PBSA schemes and local knowledge as key factors in the partnership’s success. The scheme is targeted for completion in time for the 2027/28 academic year, contributing much-needed student accommodation in an area undergoing substantial regeneration and growth.

While the contract value has not been officially disclosed, industry reports estimate the project could be worth around £30 million. This investment reflects ongoing demand for well-designed, affordable student housing in London, a sector critical to supporting the capital’s large and diverse student population.

Overall, the Firethorn Living Hackney Wick development exemplifies a strategic approach to student accommodation that balances heritage preservation, sustainability, and community engagement, positioning it as a significant addition to the London PBSA market.

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Source: Noah Wire Services