Approval Given for Sussex Place Office Block Demolition

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Building by Hammersmith Flyover to become student accommodation

A visualisation from the developer of the building with St. Paul's Church on the right

September 17, 2026

Sussex Place, a 1980s office block by the Hammersmith Flyover, is to be demolished and replaced with 291 student flats set across a new 14-storey building.

Local planning chiefs have approved the redevelopment of the site, located opposite St Paul’s Church, with 35 per cent of the units to be affordable.

The existing building, described as “outdated” in planning documents, is currently part-occupied though is due to be vacated.

In documents filed as part of the proposed redevelopment, consultants at Boyer, on behalf of applicant McLaren Property, noted the issues with the eight-storey block.

They wrote: “The existing building has a dated, poor quality and unattractive interior and exterior and is not fit for modern office needs. It is currently partly occupied by Notting Hill Genesis but is in need of comprehensive refurbishment, as outlined within the submitted letter from Hanover Green. The building does not relate successfully to the surrounding grain and townscape.”

Ahead of this week’s Planning and Development Control Committee meeting Hammersmith and Fulham Council officers had recommended the application be approved.

They wrote the scheme represented an opportunity to regenerate the site and to deliver additional student accommodation, essential given the growth of Imperial College.

Currently about 64 per cent of students in the borough rely on houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) for accommodation, rented via the private sector.

A visualisation from the developer of the building viewed from across St. Paul's Green

Only three representations were received during consultation, two of which were objections.

Concerns raised included the scale of the proposed development and the potential noise impact.

Grant Leggett, Executive Director at Boyer, told members the applicant had engaged with universities including Imperial, which “fully supports” the development of student accommodation on the site.

He also highlighted the nomination agreement secured with the university, meaning Imperial will take 51 per cent of the bed spaces including all of the affordable provision.

Cllr Callum Nimmo, a Hammersmith Broadway ward representative, asked about potential anti-social behaviour (ASB) and pressure on parking spaces.

While acknowledging the development is to be car-free, he noted there may continue to be issues at times such as when students are dropped off at either end of the academic year.

An officer said mitigations are planned to manage any ASB, and that due to the scheme being car-free there will be limitations on parking in the local area.

The proposal was unanimously approved. McLaren Property was approached for comment.

Ben Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter

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