Lambeth Council has given the green light to a £2 billion development in Vauxhall Square, south London, which will introduce seven new buildings, including three prominent skyscrapers. The project, currently on undeveloped land, aims to significantly reshape the area.
Central to the development is a 69-storey skyscraper designed to house 500 homes. Upon completion, it will stand at 230.5 meters, making it the second-tallest residential building in the United Kingdom, just behind Canary Wharf's Landmark Pinnacle at 233 meters. This new tower will also be the fifth tallest building in Britain overall.
The expansive development will offer a total of 1,097 homes, alongside 1,164 co-living units and accommodation for 699 students. The site will also feature a 250-room hotel, office spaces, retail outlets, and a cinema. Recreational facilities, including a swimming pool and a play area, are also planned.
A significant portion of the new residential units will be designated as affordable housing, with one quarter of the homes earmarked for this purpose. Specifically, 122 homes will be available on social rent and 120 on discount market rent.
The decision by Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee was narrowly passed, with a vote of four in favor to three against. The scheme faced objections, including one from Historic England, which expressed concerns that the development's height and visual prominence could cause "incremental harm" to protected London views and create "visual competition" with the Palace of Westminster.
However, Lambeth Council's planning officers concluded that the proposals would not negatively impact heritage assets or protected views. The development is a joint venture between firms Bmor, Cedarstone Capital Partners, and Cheyne Capital.
Additional towers within the development include a 61-storey building with 355 build-to-rent homes, another tower dedicated to 1,164 co-living units and co-working spaces, and a 45-storey tower for 699 student accommodation studios.
A 17-storey building will house offices, retail units, and a 250-key hotel. A connecting structure, spanning two storeys, will contain a cinema and retail spaces, topped with a rooftop play area. The public will also have access to a gym and swimming pool.
Despite the approval, the scheme has faced public opposition regarding its height, potential environmental effects, and the proportion of affordable housing.
Construction is anticipated to commence in January 2027, with the development expected to be completed in stages.
