New student block planned for the last empty stretch of International Way

A developer is consulting on plans to build 700–750 student bedrooms on a vacant plot at the corner of Montfichet Road and International Way - one of the few remaining undeveloped sites in the Olympic Legacy area.

Telford Living, the developer behind the proposals, held two public drop-in events at Chobham Academy in late March 2026. Feedback is still being collected via a survey on the project website at www.stratfordcurve.co.uk. A planning application is targeted for summer 2026.

What's proposed

The scheme would deliver around 700–750 student bedrooms across a mix of cluster rooms (11.5–13 sqm) and studios (16.5–18 sqm), alongside shared communal spaces and a ground-floor community area open to local residents.

The site is bounded by International Way to the north, Montfichet Road to the east, and the HS1 rail box to the south. The Temple Mills Link Chord marks the western boundary. The proximity to live rail infrastructure is the reason the developer says standard housing isn't viable here.

The scheme is designed to be entirely car-free. It sits a four-minute walk from Stratford International, three minutes from Stratford City Bus Station, and six minutes from Stratford Station - the highest possible public transport accessibility rating (PTAL 6b). Servicing would be from Montfichet Road, with on-site parcel facilities for students.

The developer

Telford Living describes itself as a specialist in build-to-rent, purpose-built student accommodation, and co-living, with a pipeline of over 2,500 units. It builds on the track record of Telford Homes, which has completed £3.25 billion in projects since 2000. Telford are the same team behind Rondo Stratford, Stratford Central and Stratford Plaza.

What the consultation found

The project team says early engagement found that only 13% of respondents felt there were enough community spaces in Stratford. The proposals include a flexible ground-floor space - the consultation asked residents what they'd want in it: study space, café, games room, community events venue, and grocery store were among the options.

There's also a community mural proposal for the Montfichet Road bridge.

What to make of it

This is pre-planning consultation, not a submitted application. The proposals are at an early stage - no facade designs have been released publicly, only ground-floor sketches.

The student accommodation angle will raise eyebrows. East Village already has Unite Students' Stratford One immediately next door on International Way, and another student block further along the same road. A 31-storey student block on Stratford High Street was recommended for approval by Newham Council last November. Separately, UEL has applied to build 650 student rooms at its Stratford Campus. The area is becoming a significant node for purpose-built student accommodation.

The developer's rationale - that railway constraints rule out standard housing - is plausible but not independently verified. The planning application, when submitted, will need to make that case to Newham Council.

Next steps

The consultation timeline runs to April, with a second round on developed proposals expected June–July 2026, ahead of a summer planning submission.

You can view the consultation materials and submit feedback at stratfordcurve.co.uk, or email contact@stratfordcurve.co.uk.