Dominus has secured planning permission for a mixed-use scheme in the heart of the City of London as it aims to become the Capital's largest developer of student accommodation.

The approval means Dominus has gained planning permission for 2,591 beds of purpose-built student accommodation in London, forming a key plank of its ambitious 10-year growth plan.

The development, 65 Crutched Friars, is located in London's Square Mile close to Fenchurch Street, Tower Hill and Aldgate stations, and is designed by award-winning Danish architectural practice 3XN.

It was given the green light by the City of London's planning applications sub-committee amid a growing need for student accommodation in London.

It follows Dominus’ project at 61-65 Holborn Viaduct, a 644-unit student accommodation development.

The Greater London Authority’s London Plan currently identifies a need for 3,500 student beds to be delivered annually to support a domestic and international student population, which has grown 10 per cent in the last five years.


Dominus principal director Jay Ahluwalia said: "Getting these plans approved today is a huge moment as we cement our position in the PBSA sector.

"We can draw on all our experience in hospitality to show we really understand what makes a successful student development, not just for those living there, but for the community as a whole.

"When we started out back in 2011, the goal was to build a real estate business that wasn’t only scalable and fast-growing, but was philanthropic at heart, going above and beyond to improve people's lives.

"Today, everything we do for the business as brothers is driven by this idea, and the desire to create places and spaces that make a positive contribution to cities and communities across the UK."

The planning approval also secures the future of London's Migration Museum – currently temporarily housed in a shopping centre in Lewisham - with Dominus helping to fund a £15 million relocation and refit to create the first-ever Migration Museum for Britain.

The museum, which counts actors Riz Ahmed, Naomie Harris, and Joanna Lumley among its high-profile supporters, will be installed in the first three floors of the prime development.

As well as agreeing to host the museum, Dominus has guaranteed to underwrite its first five years’ operating costs, as well as proposing a donation of £500,000 to pay for a team to lead the multi million-pound fundraising drive.