Plans for 19-storey student residence opposite Borough tube station

Helical Bar bought the 5-storey Conoco House at 200 Great Dover Street last year for £8.7 million. The building's current occupiers include the London School of Accountancy and Anglican mission organisation USPG. The development site also includes the headquarters of the Carr-Gomm charity on Tabard Street.

Last week local residents got their first glimpse of the proposed development at an all-day exhibition at Henry Wood Hall.

Architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands have designed two buildings for the island site. The smaller building, a seven-storey office block, will sit nearest St George the Martyr church.

The larger building, part 14 storeys and part 19 storeys, will be closer to Tabard Street and Silvester Street. It is intended to provide accommodation for between 300 and 350 students.

The 19-storey part of the building will reach a height of 56 metres compared the nearby 82-metre tower at Empire Square.

The developers say that their proposal provides an opportunity to create an improved public space on the south side of St George the Martyr church.

Helical Bar intend to submit a planning application at the end of April. If planning permission is granted, work could start in the second half of 2011.

Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands have designed many SE1 buildings. Their current projects include the Newington Triangle scheme just a quarter of a mile from the Great Dover Street site.

• Local residents who want to know more can email Indigo Public Affairs on [email protected] or phone 0800 458 6976.