McLaren Construction has been appointed as the main contractor for Walworth Corners, a 134,000ft² purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at 182–202 Walworth Road in Elephant & Castle, London.
The project is the first to be delivered through a joint venture between Fabrix and Patrizia, following unanimous planning consent received in November 2024.
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The £55m ($72.7m) scheme will see a 0.34ha brownfield site redeveloped to provide 283 student beds and 20 new affordable homes for social rent, along with retail and community space.
Enabling works are currently in progress, and the development is scheduled for completion in Spring 2028.
Fabrix and Patrizia launched their joint venture in 2025, with access to over £100m of investment capacity, primarily targeting alternative living and affordable housing in London.
Patrizia contributes institutional equity to the project under its broader pan-European strategy focused on sustainable and affordable housing.
Earlier in the year, Fabrix obtained a £69.5m green loan from Aviva Investors to support development financing for Walworth Corners, combining institutional equity and debt backing.
The scheme was designed at planning and RIBA Stage 3 by Howells, with architectural delivery by AFK.
The approach incorporates both new construction and partial retention of the existing structure’s concrete frame that faces Walworth Road.
According to project details, the design strategy is estimated to reduce embodied carbon emissions by 21%.
The all-electric development targets BREEAM Excellent certification and aims for a 144% biodiversity net gain, supported by green and blue roofs to promote climate resilience and on-site ecology.
Located at a key intersection on the historic high street, the project proposes a shift from a previously derelict retail frontage to new public and residential spaces intended to support both established and emerging communities.
Nearly the entire ground floor will be open to the public, including a 2,600ft² community kitchen co-developed with charity Pembroke House, a 6,240ft² courtyard garden, designed by Harris Bugg Studio and 5,100ft² of new retail units. A new pedestrian route is also planned through the site.
McLaren Construction divisional director Tony Whyte said: “By making efficient use of a centrally located brownfield site, the development will deliver much-needed new homes, high-quality student accommodation and enhanced community facilities, while bringing increased footfall and vitality to an important high street.
“Our focus will be on delivering a high-quality development that not only meets its objectives but also leaves a lasting positive legacy for the area.”
In July, McLaren partnered with FieldAI to introduce autonomous robots on its UK construction sites.
