Massive Moonraker Point student residence topped out

Final planning permission for the 671-bed Conran-designed scheme was approved in January 2010. The development was controversial because of the large amount of student accommodation proposed in SE1.

Unite already has a 230-bed student residence further up Great Suffolk Street and is developing a 146-room scheme on Waterloo Road.

"The structural completion of Moonraker Point represents a significant milestone for Unite and brings us a step closer to achieving our goal of creating 4,000 new bedrooms in London between 2012 and 2014," says Richard Simpson, Unite's managing director of property.

"Furthermore, it supports our ambition to grow our market share in London where the demand for student accommodation still far exceeds supply.

"Moonraker Point is a high quality development in the heart of vibrant Bankside – exactly the type of central location where students want to live."

The development, previously known as Moonraker Alley, will accommodate 671 students from the start of the next academic year.

The design of the building and its name allude to the manufacture of moonraker sails which took place on the site during the 18th century.