Dominus has launched Auba, a new student living platform bringing more than 2,300 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) rooms across three developments in central London under a single brand.
The three schemes are Auba London City at 65 Crutched Friars, comprising 782 rooms; Auba London Holborn at 65 Holborn Viaduct, with 669 rooms; and Auba London Strand at 65 Fleet Street, providing 875 rooms.
Dominus wholly owns the City and Holborn developments, both of which are scheduled to open for the 2027/28 academic year. London Strand is being delivered through a joint venture between Dominus and Cheyne Capital and is expected to open in 2028/29.
The launch comes as London continues to face a shortage of purpose-built student accommodation. Greater London Authority data published in July 2026 to support the next London Plan identified approximately 257,000 students requiring dedicated accommodation, compared with around 98,000 purpose-built student beds. This represents 37% of identified demand, with an average of 2.6 students per bed, the highest ratio among major UK cities.
All three Auba residences are located close to major London universities, including the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), King’s College London (KCL) and University College London (UCL), with access to nearby Zone 1 transport connections.
The developments will combine en-suite rooms and studios with shared facilities including co-working spaces, podcast studios, libraries, gyms and private dining rooms.
Dominus said the platform draws on its experience in London’s hospitality sector, including its ownership and operation of The Derby London City and Lost Property St Paul’s. The Auba offering will also include the Auba Key, a residents’ programme providing access to hotel concierge services, tailored experiences and discounted stays across Dominus’ London hotel and restaurant portfolio.
Sustainability measures differ across the three schemes. Auba London City and Auba London Strand are targeting BREEAM Outstanding, while Auba London Holborn is targeting BREEAM Excellent. The Strand development will retain approximately 75% of its existing structure through a retrofit-first design.
The projects will also incorporate cultural, community and workspace facilities within the Square Mile. Auba London City will provide a permanent home for the Migration Museum, while Auba London Strand will include the restoration of the Grade II-listed Tipperary pub and improved public access to the Whitefriars Crypt.
At Auba London Holborn, the development will provide 8,000 sq ft of affordable workspace and studios for artists and creatives.
Once all three buildings are open in 2028, 35% of the portfolio’s 2,300 rooms will be offered at affordable rents, capped in line with the Mayor of London’s guidance.
Dominus chief executive officer Preet Ahluwalia said the developments would help address London’s shortage of student accommodation.
“To ensure London remains attractive to the next generation of global talent, we need to ensure there are enough high-quality homes for students to live, study and thrive in,” Ahluwalia said.
He added that the three central London locations would help tackle the structural undersupply of student housing while providing accommodation for students attending the capital’s universities.
Sarah Reynolds, Operations Director – PBSA at Dominus and Chair of ASRA, said the platform had been designed around students’ accommodation needs, with a focus on proximity to universities, community and support services.
Richard Smith, Senior Advisor to Dominus, said Auba would deliver more than 800 affordable rooms in central London by 2028.
