Dominus delivers London’s first PBSA with half the beds affordable for Imperial students

Dominus has handed over a landmark purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in London, marking a significant milestone for affordable student housing in the capital. The 713-bedroom development at 181 Talgarth Road, Hammersmith, delivered under the name Scape Hammersmith, represents the city’s first PBSA scheme with 50% of its beds designated as affordable. This new development is aligned with the London Plan 2021’s drive for affordable housing and aims to widen educational access for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

A notable feature of this project is the collaboration with Imperial College London, which has entered into its first-ever nominations agreement with a private PBSA provider. This 25-year partnership will secure affordable beds exclusively for Imperial’s students, bolstering opportunities particularly in the bustling WestTech area near the university’s South Kensington and White City campuses. John Anderson, Imperial’s Chief Investment Officer, highlighted the partnership’s role in supporting student accommodation needs close to key university locations.

To bring the scheme to fruition, Dominus and Scape completed the UK’s largest forward-funding deal in the PBSA sector, valued at £173.25 million. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), led by Ivan Harbour — renowned for his work on the Lloyd’s of London building — the development features a distinctive pixelated facade with a stepped terracing design. This was created in consultation with local residents to address privacy concerns and integrate the building thoughtfully within its urban context. The landscaped courtyard and flexible amenity spaces, designed alongside Gillespies landscape architects, contribute to a communal and green environment intended for events and student interaction.

Dominus engaged actively with the local community through a Community Liaison Group during the planning and construction phases, fostering transparency and local input. The scheme, which received unanimous planning committee approval, also achieved BREEAM Excellent sustainability standards. HG Construction, the main contractor known for its extensive experience in student housing, delivered the project ahead of schedule, reflecting a strong collaborative effort. Adam Quinn, CEO of HG Construction, credited this success to the expertise of the teams and the strong partnership with Dominus and Scape.

Scape Hammersmith’s range of accommodation options caters to various student needs, including ensuite clusters, studios, and multi-occupancy units such as twodios and threedios. Facilities include a 24/7 gym, cinema room, games area, communal lounges, study zones, and an outdoor terrace, offering a vibrant community atmosphere. The building is located near Barons Court tube station, ensuring easy access to Imperial College and other London universities. The affordable rooms available to Imperial students are priced at £194.08 per week, significantly below many market rates within the capital, helping to alleviate financial pressures on students.

Beyond this development, Dominus continues to expand its foothold in student housing with ongoing projects delivering over 2,300 student homes across the City of London and plans for new PBSA schemes in Glasgow and Bristol. Earlier, Dominus also completed a large Premier Inn hotel near the Hammersmith site, collectively adding more than 1,100 beds to the area. This growing portfolio underscores Dominus’ commitment to high-quality, sustainable urban developments that meet the evolving needs of students and residents alike.

The launch of Scape Hammersmith is celebrated not just as a new building, but as a step forward in addressing London’s chronic shortage of affordable student accommodation. Tom Sutcliffe, Commercial Director at Scape and Morro, emphasised the importance of the partnership, noting how the scheme will provide high-quality, affordable housing for medical and other Imperial students who might otherwise struggle to find suitable accommodation in the city.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no identical matches found in recent publications. The earliest known publication date of similar content is June 30, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The content has not been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The update includes new data, justifying a higher freshness score. No similar content has appeared more than 7 days earlier. ([jonesday.com](https://www.jonesday.com/en/insights/2025/06/london-leads-in-affordable-pbsa-whats-next-for-the-rest-of-england?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
The direct quotes from John Anderson, Imperial’s Chief Investment Officer, and Adam Quinn, CEO of HG Construction, are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material. The wording of the quotes matches the original sources. ([accommodationforstudents.com](https://www.accommodationforstudents.com/student-landlord-guides/4292?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
7

Notes:
The narrative originates from a press release issued by Dominus Real Estate, a reputable organisation in the real estate sector. While press releases are typically reliable, they are promotional in nature and may present information in a favourable light. The report has been covered by other reputable outlets, including Jones Day, which adds credibility. ([jonesday.com](https://www.jonesday.com/en/insights/2025/06/london-leads-in-affordable-pbsa-whats-next-for-the-rest-of-england?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
8

Notes:
The claims about the development of London’s first PBSA scheme with 50% affordable beds align with current trends in the student accommodation market. The partnership with Imperial College London and the design by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners are consistent with known collaborations and architectural firms. The pricing of affordable rooms at £194.08 per week is competitive for the area. The development’s location near Barons Court tube station ensures easy access to Imperial College and other London universities. The report lacks specific factual anchors, such as exact dates for the project’s completion, which could reduce the score and flag it as potentially synthetic. The tone and language used are consistent with typical corporate communications.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative presents original content with unique quotes and aligns with current developments in the student accommodation sector. The source is a reputable organisation, and the claims made are plausible and consistent with known information. The lack of specific factual anchors and the promotional nature of the press release are noted but do not significantly impact the overall assessment.