The project is located at 333-337 New Cross Road, Lewisham, adjacent to Goldsmiths University campus.

The project 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 have been appointed to perform the role of Architect, Landscape Architect, Heritage Architect and Lead Designer.

The proposal consists of two buildings, providing 63 student bedrooms, linked by a communal external courtyard space. The front block is a 4 storey infill development (plus basement level) which replaces the two existing retail units fronting New Cross Road. Cycle storage for 54 bikes, social spaces and plantrooms are located at lower ground floor, with student bedrooms to upper levels. The block links the retail units to the east and existing listed former bank to the west and includes retail units at ground floor level, which provide an active retail frontage to New Cross Road.

The link to the adjoining listed former Midland Bank is set back from the retail frontage in order to expose the existing brick quoins on the corner of the bank. The link is formed in a contrasting lightweight bronze cladding with shadow gap detail connections to the listed bank. The set-back, materiality and detailing of this link forms a visual separation and lightweight connection to the bank, whilst the link appears subservient to the listed façade.

A 6 storey building is situated to the north of the 4 storey block, separated by a communal courtyard. The block consists of student bedrooms and also social spaces at lower ground floor level, facing onto the communal courtyard.

The project aims to provide high quality and sustainable student accommodation that provides attractive amenity spaces for residents. The scheme also aims to provide an active street frontage through the inclusion of high quality retail development fronting New Cross Road.

The design generates a material quality that reinforces the neighbourhood identity, and therefore a sense of belonging.