Watkin Jones has acquired a one-acre site in Stratford, East London on an unconditional basis – for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme. Maze Real Estate acted for Watkin Jones on the purchase.
Watkin Jones are preparing plans for a new development, which will include 394 student homes and commercial space at street level. Beachrock acted for 2020 Capital who has worked closely with the developer to bring forward the site from a planning perspective.
The brownfield site is on Grove Crescent – which is a former builders’ merchants. The site is perfectly positioned to provide new housing capacity to meet the needs of students attending higher education institutions in Stratford.
The site is well placed to provide student accommodation for those studying at the future UCL East and UAL’s London College of Fashion campuses in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is already home to Loughborough University London and Staffordshire University London. The new scheme will also be located within walking distance of Birkbeck College and UEL’s new University Square Stratford campus.
In-line with Watkin Jones’ commitment to sustainability, the proposed development will be designed to minimise its environmental impact – meeting BREEAM Excellent.
“Stratford is a great location for students and its success since the Olympics is a fantastic example of what can be done when political will meets institutional capital. As the area builds its reputation as a centre for higher education, we want to make sure there are enough homes to meet growing student demand and keep pressure from local housing stock.”
Alex Pease, Chief Investment Officer, Watkin Jones
This is Watkin Jones second recent development in Stratford, following the completion of the 511 student home – Eleanor Rosa House – for the University of London in 2019.
