Fifth Estate has secured planning permission for its ambitious Ilderton Wharf project in South Bermondsey, London, marking a key development in the area’s evolving housing and industrial landscape. Southwark Council approved the mixed-use scheme designed by HTA Design, which replaces a previously approved proposal, positioning the project as a fresh vision for the site, which was formerly home to a builders’ merchants facility.

The new development comprises three interconnected buildings offering 477 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedrooms, alongside 80 affordable homes and approximately 23,000 square feet of light industrial space. The PBSA element is designed with communal amenities, co-working spaces, and a ground-floor café intended to foster community interaction. Alex Springer, Founder of Fifth Estate, expressed pride in the project’s role in creating a mixed, inclusive neighbourhood. He highlighted the initiative to improve local facilities by committing funds to enhance the playground at nearby Ilderton Primary School, emphasising the importance of providing children with safe, inspiring environments for learning and play.

This approval follows a history of significant revisions and alternatives proposed for Ilderton Wharf. Initially, in late 2023, Southwark Council had approved a much larger student accommodation scheme designed by tp bennett, which featured 688 rooms. However, Fifth Estate recalibrated the scheme, later submitting an environmental impact assessment in July 2024 suggesting a more modest scale with 477 student bedrooms, reflecting a more balanced approach that also incorporates affordable housing and industrial units. The council subsequently recommended approval in mid-2025, confirming support for Fifth Estate’s vision.

HTA Design’s work on the project exemplifies thoughtful urban design, blending residential, industrial, and community uses in a way aimed at contributing to the wider regeneration of the Old Kent Road Opportunity Area near South Bermondsey station. The project team also includes CGP MEP as building services engineers, Expedition as structural engineers, and RWDI providing environmental consultancy.

Ilderton Wharf is one of several student accommodation and affordable housing developments recently approved in Southwark, reflecting ongoing efforts to address housing demands and community needs in this rapidly changing part of London. For instance, in March 2025, another purpose-built student accommodation project comprising 429 studios and 44 affordable homes was approved above Southwark Tube station through a joint venture between Places for London and Helical. Additionally, Apex Airspace gained approval for 30 affordable homes over existing residential blocks in nearby Bermondsey earlier this year, highlighting a trend towards mixed-use, densified urban living solutions.

The Ilderton Wharf development, while resolutely geared towards students, also acknowledges the broader community dimension through its affordable housing and industrial elements. This multipurpose strategy is consistent with Southwark Council’s goals of fostering inclusive, vibrant neighbourhoods that cater both to residential needs and local employment opportunities. As development progresses, the project will be closely watched as a potential benchmark for balanced urban renewal.

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Source: Noah Wire Services