Firm currently owns and operates more than 5,000 student beds across nine different locations including Liverpool, London, Cambridge, Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow. Tony McDonough reports.

Liverpool developer Downing is looking to add to its significant UK-wide portfolio after securing planning consent for a new student accommodation scheme in London.

The firm, which has a development pipeline worth hundreds of millions of pounds and is one of the county’s leading suppliers of student flats.

Last week it unveiled its latest finished project – a £46m scheme in Newcastle city centre.

Its latest development in the capital will see the creation of 424 beds next to North Acton station.

The company already owns and operates ‘The Lyra’ building nearby in Portal Way, which offers 209 studio apartments for students studying at local institutions

The Lyra scheme operates a waiting list for students from local institutions looking for accommodation in North Acton, demonstrating the demand for beds in the local area. 

Paul Houghton, development director at Downing, said: “The proposals for the site demonstrate our commitment to delivering high-quality, well-designed student accommodation schemes in London and will go some way to tackling the huge shortfall of student beds in the capital.

“The site represents a significant investment in North Acton, building on our existing development, ‘The Lyra’ building.

“We now look forward to working with Ealing Council, the GLA and the local community to get the accommodation delivered, so that we can welcome new students to the area as quickly as possible.”