333-337 New Cross Road, Lewisham
The project is located at 333-337 New Cross Road, Lewisham, adjacent to Goldsmiths University campus. It involves the demolition of two existing retail units fronting New Cross Road and the construction of a new student accommodation and retail development for Summix Capital Limited.
GWPA has been appointed to perform the roles of Architect, Landscape Architect, Heritage Architect, and Lead Designer.
The proposal consists of two buildings that provide 63 student bedrooms, linked by a communal external courtyard space. The front block is a 4-storey infill development (plus basement level) that replaces the two existing retail units facing New Cross Road. Cycle storage for 54 bikes, social spaces, and plant rooms are located at the lower ground floor, with student bedrooms on the upper levels.
The block connects the retail units to the east and the existing listed former bank to the west, including retail units at ground level to ensure an active retail frontage along New Cross Road. The link to the adjoining listed former Midland Bank is set back from the retail façade to expose the existing brick quoins on the bank's corner. This link is formed with a contrasting lightweight bronze cladding, featuring shadow gap detail connections to the listed bank. This setback, along with the materiality and detailing, creates a visual separation while maintaining a lightweight connection to the bank, ensuring that the new link appears subservient to the bank’s façade.
A 6-storey building is situated to the north of the 4-storey block, separated by a communal courtyard. This building includes student bedrooms and social spaces at the lower ground floor that face onto the courtyard.
The project aims to provide high-quality and sustainable student accommodation with attractive amenity spaces for residents, while also enhancing the street frontage through high-quality retail development along New Cross Road. The design generates a material quality that reinforces the neighborhood identity, fostering a sense of belonging.
