Construction has officially begun on the 284-bed Poland House development — the first collaboration between Northern Irish contractor McAleer & Rushe and growing real estate investor Firethorn Trust.
Designed by Henley Halebrown, the project will see the existing Poland House replaced with four interlocking red-brick blocks ranging from eight to twelve storeys. Around 35% of the new student accommodation will be designated as affordable housing.
Targeting a BREEAM “Excellent” sustainability rating, the development is located on Stratford High Street, within easy reach of UCL East, University of the Arts London, the Olympic Park, and Westfield shopping centre.
Paul Martin, head of development at Firethorn, said: “Poland House marks the third student scheme in our expanding Living portfolio, as we continue to strengthen our footprint across key university cities in the UK.”
Scheduled for completion ahead of the 2028/29 academic year, the Poland House scheme adds to Firethorn’s growing Living portfolio, which already includes PBSA projects in Hackney Wick, Stratford, and Edinburgh’s Leith Walk.
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