Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially commenced construction of a new 100-room hotel in Loughton. Conveniently located just off the M11 with easy access to the M25, the new hotel is an 8-minute walk from Debden
The much-anticipated Scotch Corner Designer Village, a major outlet shopping destination currently under development in North Yorkshire, has announced the addition of 19 new retail and food brands to its growing tenant line-up. Set to open in spring 2027, the centre is strategically located at the Scotch Corner junction near
Aviva Capital Partners and Moda Group have completed a landmark investment deal with NatWest, Homes England, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to unlock a 1,000-home rental community in Digbeth, Birmingham. The funding agreement for the £200m+ Stone Yard project in Digbeth showcases the strength of opportunity for regeneration
The UK Government has granted development consent for the £4.8 billion Mona offshore wind farm, a major renewable energy project to be built in the Irish Sea. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has officially signed off the development consent order for the project, which will be located entirely within Welsh waters.
Yorkshire-based offsite manufacturer, Thurston Group, opened its doors in mid-June for an exclusive event with trade body, Made in Yorkshire, as it showcased the improvements made to its company culture, digital infrastructure and facilities in recent years. The firm is targeting £104m turnover by 2027. Thurston Group currently turns over
New headquarters in Lichfield to secure existing jobs, support future growth, and raise sustainability standards Palletways UK, the country’s leading and most trusted palletised freight network, has announced plans to relocate its national headquarters and core operations to a new purpose-built 640,000 sq ft facility at Fradley Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire.
A series of major transport schemes are set to begin this month as Kirklees Council gets ready to transform some of the districts’ key travel routes links in Dewsbury and Huddersfield. Kirklees Council secured over £60 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, which will be used to deliver an ambitious
A significant milestone was reached at West Middlesex University Hospital with the topping out ceremony of the new £80 million Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre (ADC). The event, held on 2nd July, marked the completion of the main structure of this transformative healthcare project being built by Bouygues UK, set to enhance
Livingston Designer Outlet in Scotland has reported strong sales growth among retailers that have recently invested in store refurbishments and upgrades. A standout example is premium kitchenware brand Le Creuset, which relocated to a larger unit in November 2024. Since the move, the brand has seen a notable uplift in
Malaysia’s leading engineering and property group, Gamuda Berhad, together with Singapore-headquartered real estate private equity firm Q Investment Partners (QIP), has announced the expansion of its student accommodation development in Woolwich, London, with the addition of Phase 2. This latest agreement marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between
Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel brand, which operates over 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, has officially commenced construction of a new 100-room hotel in Loughton. Conveniently located just off the M11 with easy access to the M25, the new hotel is an 8-minute walk from Debden Underground Station, offering direct Central line services into central London. For those travelling by car, the hotel provides on-site parking and is around a 30-minute drive from Stansted Airport. Guests can also enjoy nearby retail and dining at Epping Forest Shopping Park, along with easy access to the open green spaces of Epping Forest. The hotel will feature Travelodge’s new premium design, including a modern reception area, next-generation rooms, and the stylish new 85 Bar Café – designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers alike. Part of a wider mixed-use scheme that includes office and self-storage space, the standalone hotel is being delivered by Higgins Group as the developer and Barnes Construction as the principal contractor. As Travelodge continues to grow its portfolio across the UK, the Loughton hotel represents a strategic addition to the portfolio, helping to meet growing demand for affordable accommodation within easy reach of London. The new hotel will also contribute to the local economy through job creation and increased visitor footfall. Tony O’Brien, UK Development Director comments: “We’re excited to begin construction on our new hotel in Loughton, further strengthening our presence across the Greater London area. This is a prime location for commuters, shoppers, and visitors, and our hotel will provide a well-connected, great-value base for all types of travellers. We’re pleased to see work now underway and look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens at the end of next year.” Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Higgins Group, comments, “We’re really pleased that work is now underway on the new Travelodge at our Langston Road site. This marks a significant step forward in the wider redevelopment of the site.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The much-anticipated Scotch Corner Designer Village, a major outlet shopping destination currently under development in North Yorkshire, has announced the addition of 19 new retail and food brands to its growing tenant line-up. Set to open in spring 2027, the centre is strategically located at the Scotch Corner junction near Darlington. With these latest additions, the development is now 82% pre-let and will feature a total of 73 stores upon completion. Newly confirmed retailers include prominent names such as Guess, Castore, Monsoon, Jack & Jones, Molton Brown, Brook Taverner, White Stuff, Haribo, Lindt, Superdry, Radley London, Hobbs, Phase Eight, and M&S. These brands will join an already impressive roster including Boss, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi’s, Skechers, Clarks, Moss, and Dune London. The scheme’s food and beverage offer is also expanding, with Pizza Express, Pret A Manger, 200º Coffee, Knoops, and Slim Chickens joining previously announced operators Wagamama and Five Guys. Sarah Hodkinson, leasing director at Scotch Corner Designer Village, commented:“We are thrilled with the enthusiasm shown by both major retail brands and the local community. Dozens of high-profile names have committed to the project, signalling strong confidence in our vision and delivering a positive story for the region and the wider North of England.” Beyond retail, the development will include 2,000 car parking spaces with electric vehicle charging points, a new fuel filling station, and several drive-through dining options. Plans are also in place for a significant on-site film and television facility, totalling 329,914 sq ft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aviva Capital Partners and Moda Group have completed a landmark investment deal with NatWest, Homes England, and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to unlock a 1,000-home rental community in Digbeth, Birmingham. The funding agreement for the £200m+ Stone Yard project in Digbeth showcases the strength of opportunity for regeneration through collaboration between the private and public sectors driving the delivery of high quality new homes. The funding package includes debt financing from NatWest and Homes England via the Home Building Fund. This will support the delivery of phase one of the build-to-rent (BTR) community, which will comprise 605 high-quality homes across four blocks. In addition the West Midlands Combined Authority has provided brownfield grant funding, enabling the project to increase its affordable housing provision to 20%, which will be offered at a Discounted Market Rent. This provision will be dispersed throughout the development, enabling community led regeneration whilst delivering the highest quality of place and accommodation. A future development phase will deliver a further three blocks, bringing the total number of homes at Stone Yard to 995. Last year, Homes England signed a Strategic Place Partnership (SPP) with the WMCA, setting out shared ambitions to advance locally-led housing growth and regeneration in key locations in the region, including the East Birmingham & North Solihull corridor which is anchored by Digbeth in the city centre. Homes England has supplied debt funding of around £40m to the Stone Yard financing package. The development will champion social and environmental sustainability, targeting top level certification from leading accreditors including Fitwel, Home Quality Mark and BREAAM. The new homes will be complemented by a range of amenity spaces for all residents, including co-working spaces, 24/7 gyms and studio spaces, lounges and private dining rooms. Alongside new homes, the scheme will include community-focused features such as commercial units, landscaped public areas, and links to local attractions will contribute to Digbeth’s emergence as a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood. The buildings and new public realm will be operated by Moda with its signature focus on service, technology and health and wellbeing, ensuring the curation of a professionally managed, diverse community in the heart of Birmingham. Caddick Construction, Moda’s sister company, will build the neighbourhood and has commenced initial work on site. Completion of phase one is expected in 2028. Located on a prominent four-acre brownfield site, Stone Yard is in a highly accessible location on Deritend Road. The site sits at the heart of the city’s creative quarter, adjacent to the Custard Factory and directly opposite the new Eastside Metro extension and the forthcoming HS2 Curzon Street Station. Sophie White, Regeneration Sector Lead at Aviva Capital Partners, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Moda to provide high quality accommodation in Birmingham, helping to support the local economy and beyond. The partnership with NatWest, Homes England and WMCA has been critical in getting the scheme underway for this key brownfield site in Digbeth. Sustainability is at the heart of this development, with community and affordability critical elements helping to ensure it supports the local area to get ready for the future.” Tony Brooks, Executive Chairman of Moda Group, said: “This milestone is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work collaboratively to realise a shared, long-term vision for regeneration. “Aligned, we will be able to deliver much-needed new rental homes, at pace. With high quality new public realm completing the neighbourhood, Stone Yard will be a pivotal part of the wider regeneration of Digbeth, transforming a brownfield site into a thriving urban community.” Michael Goode, Director and BTR Lead, NatWest, said: “Stone Yard is an exciting project for Birmingham. The delivery of much needed new homes, with enviable sustainability credentials, is aligned to NatWest’s ambitions in BTR. “It was a pleasure working with Aviva Capital Partners and Moda, alongside our funding partners at Homes England and WMCA, in delivering an innovative financing solution.” Marcus Railing, Chief Investment Officer at Homes England, said: “As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, our aim is to support public and private sector partners to unlock strategic housing sites, and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions. “Stone Yard is a prime example of how the Agency works collaboratively with both public and private partners to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home. “This funding agreement also represents how Homes England works with Mayoral Strategic Authorities by aligning investment, unlocking opportunity and delivering at scale through Strategic Place Partnerships.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK Government has granted development consent for the £4.8 billion Mona offshore wind farm, a major renewable energy project to be built in the Irish Sea. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has officially signed off the development consent order for the project, which will be located entirely within Welsh waters. The wind farm will be positioned approximately 28.8 km from the north coast of Wales, 46.9 km from the north-west coast of England, and 46.6 km from the Isle of Man. The project includes a landfall point near Llanddulas in Conwy, North Wales, with grid connection planned via the existing National Grid substation at Bodelwyddan in Denbighshire. Mona is being delivered by a joint venture between BP Alternative Energy Investments Limited and German energy company Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW). Front-end engineering design is being provided by Kent. Once completed, the development will feature up to 96 turbines capable of generating approximately 1.5GW of electricity – enough to power more than a million homes. The scheme will also include four offshore substation platforms up to 60 metres in height, along with a network of offshore interconnector, inter-array and export cables. The turbine rotor diameters will measure 320 metres, with a maximum blade tip height of 364 metres. The onshore infrastructure includes underground cabling and a new onshore substation to facilitate grid integration. The estimated £4.8bn cost encompasses all aspects of the development, including project management, financing, land acquisition, and construction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Yorkshire-based offsite manufacturer, Thurston Group, opened its doors in mid-June for an exclusive event with trade body, Made in Yorkshire, as it showcased the improvements made to its company culture, digital infrastructure and facilities in recent years. The firm is targeting £104m turnover by 2027. Thurston Group currently turns over £51m and employs 377 talented staff across four sites in Yorkshire. The firm is growing at an impressive rate, having recently acquired Storplan, a specialist fabrication business, and the assets of Alsim System Building, a temporary living and secure accommodation specialist, following its insolvency. The Made in Yorkshire Factory Tour saw Thurston open its doors to over 40 manufacturers from the national Made In network, including Rolls-Royce PLC, Trojan Baths, and A.W. Hainsworth & Sons. The event kicked off with a candid talk from Thurston’s managing director, Matt Goff, before attendees embarked on a tour around the working factory, they then returned to a panel discussion involving our senior leadership team. Matt’s presentation prominently featured Thurston’s remarkable growth, directly attributing it to the leadership team’s forward-thinking embrace of digital transformation. This significant shift in mindset – prioritising not only business expansion but also empowering employees through new digital tools and processes – has been the core driver behind the firm’s success, culminating in the doubling of turnover over the past seven years. As part of the factory tours, which were led by four senior team members, Thuston showcased its newly renovated machine shop, demonstrating the evolving integration of automation in its processes, a transformation delivered in partnership with Software as a Service (SaaS) company, WrxFlo. Speaking about the event, Matt Goff, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Made in Yorkshire community to our site. This is a really important time for our business as we’re implementing technologies that are allowing us to truly level up our business. The improvements that Wrxflo have helped us to unlock through process standardisation, operational efficiency gains and cultural shifts on the shopfloor as a result, have been astounding. “As Made in Yorkshire members, it was wonderful to share this progress with our peers and learn from one another how we can all work together to improve manufacturing in Yorkshire and pioneer British made products across the nation and globe.” Thurston Group was founded in 1970 and was acquired by private industrial investment company HLD Group in 2021 through a £16m asset-based lending (ABL) facility that formed part of the total acquisition cost. Thurston works with hundreds of clients across a range of sectors, including Sunbelt, Wernick Hire, Network Rail, Public Health England, and INEOS. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New headquarters in Lichfield to secure existing jobs, support future growth, and raise sustainability standards Palletways UK, the country’s leading and most trusted palletised freight network, has announced plans to relocate its national headquarters and core operations to a new purpose-built 640,000 sq ft facility at Fradley Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire. Developed in partnership with Prologis UK, the project will consolidate Palletways’ operations, create space for future growth, and raise the bar for sustainable logistics buildings in the UK. The new site, located a short distance from the company’s current site at Fradley Park, will look to consolidate their operations in the area. Around 250 existing jobs will be secured for the Lichfield area, with the new facility set to create clear opportunities for further employment growth in the years ahead. Palletways has been based in Lichfield since 1994, when it first established its operations in the UK. What began as a single site has grown steadily over the past three decades into a network that now supports more than 140 independent members and handles close to 6 million pallets each year. Rob Gittins, Managing Director of Palletways UK, said: “Our decision to remain in Lichfield reflects the strength of our connection to the area and the role it has played in our success over the past 30 years. This new facility represents the next step in that relationship — creating space for growth while keeping us firmly rooted in the place where we began.” By consolidating operations into a single, purpose-built site, Palletways will reduce handling times, improve tracking accuracy, support earlier finish times and more reliable delivery windows. The additional space and flexibility will also allow the business to trial new technologies and streamline logistics processes — helping its independent members operate more efficiently and deliver stronger service to their own customers. Rob Gittins added: “It has been clear for some time that we are outgrowing our existing site at Fradley Park, which has served us so well for nearly 30 years. We began looking at how we could secure local jobs with minimum disruption, create opportunities for long-term growth, and further strengthen our commitment to sustainability.” We’re very excited about these plans, developed in partnership with Prologis, which reinforce all of those objectives. Our new headquarters will allow us to build on our service levels, provide better facilities and training opportunities for our staff, and offer even greater support to our members.” A key factor for Palletways in selecting Prologis as development partner was the company’s proven ability to deliver sustainable logistics buildings that meet both environmental and operational needs — a close fit with Palletways’ ambitions for its new headquarters. This, backed by Prologis’ robust balance sheet and access to capital means that the development could be delivered for Palletways with confidence, once planning approval is in place. The 640,000 sq ft facility will be delivered by Prologis and target BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ standards, placing it among the UK’s top-performing industrial buildings for energy efficiency. Features will include a 600kWp+ rooftop solar PV array, smart metering, rainwater harvesting, and high-efficiency systems to reduce both emissions and running costs. The new headquarters has been designed with employee wellbeing and community connectivity in mind. The building will feature warehouse skylights to maximise natural light, alongside secure cycle parking and EV charging to encourage more sustainable commuting. A dedicated amenity space for Palletways workers will include soft and hard landscaping, seating and a covered area. A new cycleway and footpath, winding through natural landscaping and featuring native species will improve local access between Fradley and Streethay, creating benefits beyond the building itself. Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “This is a development that supports jobs, productivity and sustainability in equal measure. It reflects the ambitions of a long-standing logistics leader, while also contributing to a cleaner and more efficient built environment. It also aligns with the UK’s broader goals to modernise infrastructure, support regional growth and enable more sustainable ways of working. By investing in high-quality logistics facilities outside major city centres, projects like this help strengthen local economies and future-proof the country’s supply chain network.” The proposals are currently subject to planning approval. A public consultation is now underway, with a planning application expected to be submitted to Lichfield District Council in summer 2025. Subject to approval, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with occupation targeted for 2027. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A series of major transport schemes are set to begin this month as Kirklees Council gets ready to transform some of the districts’ key travel routes links in Dewsbury and Huddersfield. Kirklees Council secured over £60 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, which will be used to deliver an ambitious programme of transport improvements to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport, connecting communities to more jobs, training and education opportunities. From Monday 14 July, work is expected to start on the A638 Dewsbury to Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor. This vital route will link residents in Dewsbury, Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton to employment, education and healthcare, while strengthening links between Kirklees and Bradford. The scheme will prioritise pedestrian safety with new controlled crossings and provide better public transport provision with a new bus lane on Bradford Road, improving reliability and making public transport a more convenient and attractive alternative to driving. In addition, improvements are already underway on the Spen Valley Greenway enhancing accessibility, surface quality, lighting, signage and safety along the route. Later in July, the first phase of the Huddersfield Rail Station Connections scheme will get underway on Northumberland Street in Huddersfield Town Centre. Currently dominated by traffic and busy junctions, Northumberland Street is set for a major transformation and aims to bring the streets to life with high-quality paving, wider footways and improved cycle infrastructure, creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for all. After completion, Northumberland Street will benefit from improved traffic flow whilst prioritising pedestrians and inclusive access. With further upgrades planed for Trinity Street and St. John’s Road, the Huddersfield Rail Station Connections scheme will improve links between the towns rail and bus stations, supporting more sustainable and efficient journeys. Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader of the council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport said: “It’s great to see spades in the ground on these really important transport schemes. “We understand that there will be some short term disruption, but once completed, these schemes are set to have lasting positive impacts, opening up better access to more education, employment and training opportunities across Kirklees and beyond. “The works in Dewsbury and Huddersfield will be carried out with minimum disruption and I’d like to encourage people to continue to visit our town centres and support our fantastic independent businesses.” To complete the projects efficiently and safety, traffic management will be in place at both sites. Details are available online at https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/transport-schemes. These schemes form part of the council’s wider vision to create healthy, vibrant town centres where people can live, work and relax. They complement major investments including Dewsbury and Huddersfield bus stations, Network Rail’s multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade as well as the ambitious Our Cultural Heart project, Grade II listed George Hotel and the towns historic open markets, demonstrating the council’s commitment to revitalising towns and villages across Kirklees. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A significant milestone was reached at West Middlesex University Hospital with the topping out ceremony of the new £80 million Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre (ADC). The event, held on 2nd July, marked the completion of the main structure of this transformative healthcare project being built by Bouygues UK, set to enhance diagnostic and treatment services in the local community. Designed to be an all-electric, sustainable building, the ADC will deliver essential diagnostic and treatment services for cancer, renal conditions, and imaging, benefiting residents of Hounslow, Richmond, and Ealing. The ADC aims to address health inequalities by doubling capacity for renal and cancer services, ensuring local access to critical treatments sooner. Enhancements include increasing chemotherapy chairs from 10 to 18, allowing for approximately 3,000 more cancer treatments over the next decade, and doubling dialysis chairs from 12 to 24, significantly boosting renal service capacity. The new facility will also house a state-of-the-art education and training centre, reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to enhancing the skills of its staff and recruiting top talent to continue delivering exceptional healthcare services. The project is supported by the Trust’s charity, CW+, which is raising £1.5m to enhance the environment, providing expertise on design and patient experience, and commissioning bespoke artwork for the building. Beyond what Bouygues UK will bring to the healthcare sector through this project lies the promotion of community growth and sustainability. Through partnerships with MITSkills, the London Borough of Hounslow, and JCP Hounslow, the contractor is committed to developing local skills and creating employment opportunities throughout the lifetime of the project. Philippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, commented, “I am proud to celebrate the topping out of this pivotal project and would personally like to thank our team and partners. As well as working hard to reach this milestone, they have done an excellent job in fostering skills development and creating sustainable job opportunities for local residents which is sure to leave a lasting legacy in the community.” Lesley Watts, CEO of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, which also includes West Middlesex University Hospital site, commented: “The topping of our Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre, marks a significant milestone for West Middlesex University Hospital. The new facility supports our wider vision to deliver high-quality, accessible care closer to home, and we are proud to play a leading role in strengthening and improving NHS services in West London. I would like to thank our teams and partners whose hard work has made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that it will have for our patients and staff for years to come.” Bouygues UK has a strong track record in delivering healthcare infrastructure across the UK, including the state-of-the-art Grafton Way Building for University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, completed in 2022, and the ongoing development of Oriel, a cutting-edge integrated eye care, research and education centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Livingston Designer Outlet in Scotland has reported strong sales growth among retailers that have recently invested in store refurbishments and upgrades. A standout example is premium kitchenware brand Le Creuset, which relocated to a larger unit in November 2024. Since the move, the brand has seen a notable uplift in performance, recording a 48% year-on-year increase in sales across November and December, along with a 33% rise in footfall during the same period. This positive trend continued into the first quarter of 2025, with Le Creuset achieving a 42% year-on-year growth in sales, a 31% increase in footfall, and a 7% improvement in its sales conversion rate. Nicky Lovell, Head of Outlets and Retail Business Development at Global Mutual, commented:“The performance of Le Creuset at Livingston Designer Outlet clearly demonstrates the value of reinvestment in outlet retail. For brands aiming to remain relevant and attractive to customers, upgrading their store environments is essential. The outlet sector continues to gain momentum, and it’s exciting to see major global brands investing in destinations like Livingston. These refurbishments underline that outlet shopping is firmly positioned at the heart of many of the world’s most dynamic retail strategies—and we are proud to play a part in that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Malaysia’s leading engineering and property group, Gamuda Berhad, together with Singapore-headquartered real estate private equity firm Q Investment Partners (QIP), has announced the expansion of its student accommodation development in Woolwich, London, with the addition of Phase 2. This latest agreement marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Gamuda and QIP, building on the successful momentum of Phase 1, which recently celebrated its topping out. The expanded development reflects the partners’ continued confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the UK’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) market, following their inaugural collaboration on Phase 1, Gamuda’s first UK student housing project and QIP’s first scheme in London. Phase 2, with a gross development value of c.£41.5 million, will add 120 student beds, bringing the total to 419 beds across both phases, and a combined GDV of c.£144.5 million. The phase 2 site was acquired from Hurlington Capital and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2026. Chu Wai Lune, CEO of Gamuda Land, said: “We’re pleased to deepen our collaboration with QIP on this next phase of our Woolwich development. The success of Phase 1 reinforces our confidence in the UK student housing sector and in our ability to create high-quality, sustainable living spaces that resonate with global student needs.” “At Gamuda, we view the UK as a strategic market and are steadily growing our presence through carefully selected partnerships and opportunities. This expansion reflects our commitment to scaling our PBSA footprint across key academic cities, bringing the same level of design quality and community focus that define our developments globally.” The Phase 1 topping out ceremony, held earlier this month, marked the structural completion of the initial 299-bed development and was attended by co-developers Hurlington Capital, along with other key stakeholders including CField Construction, and Alpha Real Estate Finance. Peter Young, CEO and Co-Founder of Q Investment Partners, added: “This Phase 2 agreement underscores the strength of our joint venture with Gamuda and our shared ambition for delivering institutional-quality student accommodation that meets the evolving needs of students while creating long-term value for our investors and communities.” “The Woolwich schemes play a key role in QIP’s portfolio & represents our flagship PBSA development in London, reflecting our long-term commitment to the UK market. Led by our UK-based QIP Development Group (QIPDG), under the leadership of James Coppack, this project also highlights the importance of our development expertise & execution within QIP’s vertically integrated real estate platform. We were among the first to recognise the area’s potential, and we’re proud to see this development progress with strong momentum.” “The UK PBSA sector continues to present compelling opportunities, and we remain committed to delivering long-term value through well-located, thoughtfully designed assets.” Strategic Urban Location with Excellent Connectivity Located on Beresford Street within the Royal Arsenal regeneration masterplan, the development forms part of the multi-billion-pound transformation of the area and enjoys direct access to central London via the Elizabeth Line. The location ensures commute times of under 35 minutes to eight major universities including the University of Greenwich (24 minutes), King’s College London (35 minutes), and LSE (35 minutes). Designed with student well-being in mind, the final development will offer a full suite of amenities including private study areas, fitness facilities, yoga rooms, games rooms, bicycle storage, and a community hub with commercial space at ground level. Sustainability and affordability are core to the project’s vision, with Phase 1 targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, and 35% of units designated as affordable student accommodation. Confidence in a Growing Sector The announcement comes amid continued investor interest in the UK PBSA market, driven by: Gamuda is actively expanding its PBSA portfolio to develop approximately 3,000 beds in the UK by 2029, with a particular focus on Russell Group university cities where demand consistently outpaces supply. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
