Our turnkey development delivered two landmark towers, turning a marginal site into a cornerstone of Lewisham’s regeneration.
Lewisham Exchange shows how, by unlocking a strategically significant location, volumetric delivery can drive wider regeneration.
An under-used wedge of land between two major roads and a rail line has been transformed by the addition of two towers – of 20 and 35 storeys respectively – and a new public square, which will act as a gateway to Lewisham Station.
As developer, Tide took on considerable risk to deliver the scheme, which involved extensive consultation with Transport for London and an innovative structural design to accommodate proposed Underground tunnels beneath the site.
Despite the complexity of its location, the towers were delivered in just 18 months. The 758 student rooms and 67 affordable homes meet a recognised local need and bring a vibrant, mixed community into the heart of the town. The affordable homes are a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with terraces on the upper levels and secure communal play areas for children.
The student accommodation includes a range of high-end facilities from a gym and social hub to private dining and study areas. At the base of the towers, there are a series of flexible commercial spaces and a grand entrance lobby that welcomes students.
Lewisham Exchange’s 35-storey tower is the tallest volumetric student residence in the world – surpassing Tide’s own Apex House in north London, delivered in 2017.
Energy efficiency is at the heart of the scheme. The buildings are EPC A and B-rated and are connected to an existing district heating network, while an extensive photovoltaic array on the roof of the taller tower provides a renewable source of electricity.
The development is future-proofed in other ways too: its stepped profile and immaculate brick detailing give it a strong civic presence and it has been designed to incorporate an entrance to a future Bakerloo Line extension. The proposed Tube tunnels and station box beneath the site required detailed ground movement analysis and a complex structural design, including vibration isolation pads within the volumetric units.
