Firethorn has broken ground at its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) site, Poland House in Stratford, East London, with McAleer & Rushe appointed to deliver the £50m contract.
The development will create 284 high-quality student beds, 35% of which will be affordable accommodation, and is the first contract Firethorn has awarded to McAleer & Rushe.
Poland House residents will benefit from generous amenities, including spacious common rooms, study areas and an on-site gym. A dedicated community space for local residents will also be delivered as part of the project.
The site will be developed to a target BREEAM “Excellent” rating, in line with Firethorn’s strong commitment to delivering sustainable, best-in-class assets.
Situated on Stratford High Street, Poland House provides convenient access to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford High Street DLR Station and Stratford Station, and is within a 15-minute walking distance of both UCL East and University Arts London.
Paul Martin, Head of Development at Firethorn, commented:
Paul continues: “With excellent connectivity, in an area of continued investment and regeneration, this project reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable accommodation that enhances the student experience.
“McAleer & Rushe has a proven history of completing best-in-class PBSA assets and we look forward to working closely with the team to develop the site at pace.”
Mark Diamond, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe, said:
“We are delighted to cut the first sod together with Firethorn on Poland House, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of this exciting new student development in Stratford.
“Reflecting our shared commitment to building vibrant, well-designed spaces that stand the test of time, this development will be a valuable addition to the local community, with which we will actively engage throughout construction to make a positive and lasting contribution.
“With our experienced team and trusted supply chain, we look forward to delivering high-quality, sustainable accommodation for East London’s thriving student community.”
The project is due for completion ahead of the 2028/9 academic year.
Poland House forms part of Firethorn’s growing Living portfolio, which includes PBSA developments in Hackney Wick, Stratford, and Leith Walk in Edinburgh, and the office-to-residential conversion of One Bessborough Gardens in central London.
Firethorn recently acquired 5 Lloyd’s Avenue in the City of London, with plans to convert the office building into a high-density hotel with modern public amenities. Work is also well underway at the 138-bedroom site in Sackville Place in Dublin, which will sleep up to 716 guests.
