Downing is co-founding a new real estate investment management business alongside Jessica Hardman, the former Head of European Portfolio Management and UK CEO of global investment manager DWS.
Named Aboria Capital, the new company headquartered in London will leverage Downing’s 35-year development and operational track record, which has seen it deliver over £3bn in real estate development across the UK, including 14,500 beds in the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector.
“We want to take advantage of the current dislocation in the market and the cyclical investment opportunities in front of us, which will produce long term generational value. We feel now is the right time to launch Aboria Capital, bringing together two hugely complementary skill sets in real estate and global investment management. We look forward to sharing more about our plans for this exciting venture in the near future.”
Bay Downing, Executive Director, Downing
Jessica has over 20 years’ experience in global real estate investment management and was recently appointed a President of the British Property Federation (BPF).
Her deep experience and senior leadership in international investment management will initially focus on realising Downing’s £1.6bn pipeline, which includes ten new projects planned to start on site at locations across the UK in 2025 and 2026.
“Downing is recognised as a seasoned, high-quality living, operating and development business. The UK and European living sector continue to be the most favoured sector by international investors, especially where managers can offer the benefits of a vertically integrated value chain across both the investment and operational disciplines.”
Jessica Hardman, Co-founder, Aboria Capital
