Today, Malaysian engineering, property and infrastructure group Gamuda Berhad and London-based real estate investor Castleforge marked the next stage in their £1.2bn redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the City of London, with a groundbreaking ceremony and the signing of one of London’s largest property development loans in recent years,
LondonMetric Property Plc has announced a series of acquisitions and disposals totalling £124 million, marking a significant reshaping of its portfolio. The company has divested ten non-core properties for £74.2 million (LondonMetric share: £69.4 million) at a net initial yield (NIY) of 6.9% and acquired seven properties for £50.1 million,
Global engineering consultancy Arup has officially opened its new Midlands base – one of its five largest global hubs – at Paradise Birmingham’s One Centenary Way, welcoming clients and contacts to mark the occasion. Arup was a major contractor to Birmingham City Council supporting it to deliver the Birmingham 2022
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has taken a significant step into the thriving Build-to-Rent (BtR) market by securing its first forward funding deal with Lloyds Living. This landmark partnership marks a major milestone for Hill Group as it ventures further into this expanding sector. The inaugural project involves the creation
Blackpool Council has announced plans to appoint new commercial marketing agents to promote the Blackpool Central site to international leisure investors, aiming to attract fresh investment for the high-profile location. The move signals the termination of the previous agreement with developer Nikal Ltd. and marks a new phase in the
Redevco has cemented its position in the retail property sector with the acquisition of a 16-property retail park portfolio from Oxford Properties for £518 million. This significant transaction highlights Redevco’s strategic ambition to become one of Europe’s largest retail park asset managers. The portfolio, originally assembled by Oxford Properties via
OCS, a global leader in facilities management, is pleased to announce the acquisition of FES FM and FES Support Services from Forth Holdings Limited, one of the most established providers of Hard Services in the UK. The acquisition will double the size of OCS’s Hard Services division, creating a combined
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2023/24 financial year. Reaching a key milestone for the business, RED Construction Group has reported a turnover of £115m, as the company continues to deliver targeted revenue and achieve sustainable profit. Across the financial period, from 1st
New analysis from Excellion Capital, the boutique debt advisory and investments firm, reveals that developing agricultural Class Q land into residential dwellings can create a market value of £3.7m for savvy investors. As British farmers face the threat of a new 20% inheritance tax levy on all land and business assets worth
Quintain, the visionary developer behind the transformative Wembley Park regeneration project, has announced the successful refinancing of its flagship build-to-rent (BtR) building, The Robinson, with a £128.7 million Natixis CIB green loan. This refinancing initiative not only reduces the existing debt facility but also underscores Quintain’s commitment to sustainable urban
Today, Malaysian engineering, property and infrastructure group Gamuda Berhad and London-based real estate investor Castleforge marked the next stage in their £1.2bn redevelopment of 75 London Wall in the City of London, with a groundbreaking ceremony and the signing of one of London’s largest property development loans in recent years, valued at £500 million. The event was led by Dato’ Lin Yun Ling, Gamuda Group Managing Director, and Michael Kovacs, Castleforge Founding Partner. They were joined by Gus Wiseman, Global Head of Investor Relations for the UK Government and Howard Dawber, Deputy London Mayor. Over 80 attendees were present, including financiers, property agents, and a range of property development and built environment specialists. The investment is another signal of support from Gamuda for the UK property market, with the group viewing London as a key strategic destination for real estate investment. Since 2022, Gamuda has committed a total gross development value of £1.4 billion to the UK market, encompassing prime commercial office assets, residential properties and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). The 75 London Wall project is the largest investment for Gamuda in the UK thus far. Complementing this is Castleforge’s commitment to delivering best-in-class workspaces that prioritise sustainability and tenant well-being which set new standards for the adaptive reuse of office buildings in the City of London. The site has received full planning consent in June 2024 and construction has begun. Upon full redevelopment expected in 2027, 75 London Wall will be a grade-A sustainable top-tier office with a net lettable area of more than 450,000 square feet with the best ESG standards – BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, WELL Core ‘Platinum’, and NABERS UK 5 Star Design. This landmark redevelopment will transform the building into a sustainable commercial hub in one of the world’s most competitive business districts. The ground floor will feature new commercial units, alongside a cultural forum space for events, performances, and public speaking, alongside open, green spaces. Dato’ Lin Yun Ling, Gamuda Group Managing Director said, “Our acquisition of this building in 2023 stemmed from the “Flight to Quality” to top grade office spaces in the real estate market. Multinational corporations are drawn to London, the epicentre of Britain’s economy and home to a huge proportion of its primary export – global services. This has driven a surge in demand for premium offices, linking quality workplaces to higher productivity. With a limited supply of best-in-class ESG spaces, rental growth remains strong, making 75 London Wall a standout investment.” Michael Kovacs, Founding Partner of Castleforge, said “We were delighted to welcome Dato’ Lin, Gus Wiseman and Howard Dawber to the site today to witness the progress being made on a project that we believe will set a new benchmark for sustainable, expertly designed office developments in London. In an increasingly competitive landscape, we know that 75 London Wall will stand out as a true best-in-class office development for those who want to attract the best talent in and around our city.” Gus Wiseman, Head of Investor Relations for the UK Government, said “We welcome this show of confidence in the UK economy by Gamuda and Castleforge. In years to come, this investment will create a busy trading floor for our world-leading financial services industry. This will create jobs in construction and at full occupancy, will house over 5,000 workers. Redevelopment projects such as 75 London Wall are vital to this Government’s mission to achieve the fastest growth in the G7.” Ravi Stickney, Cheyne Capital Managing Partner & CIO, Real Estate said “Following our £150million loan for the acquisition of 75 London Wall in 2023, we are delighted to extend our support to Gamuda and Castleforge with a £500m loan for its redevelopment. At Cheyne, we remain committed to financing the creation of productive and sustainable assets to support the growth of the UK’s vibrant economy. We are therefore thrilled with the significant vote of confidence that Gamuda has shown in London.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LondonMetric Property Plc has announced a series of acquisitions and disposals totalling £124 million, marking a significant reshaping of its portfolio. The company has divested ten non-core properties for £74.2 million (LondonMetric share: £69.4 million) at a net initial yield (NIY) of 6.9% and acquired seven properties for £50.1 million, reflecting a rising NIY of up to 7.2% over five years. Strategic Disposals: Focus on Core Growth The sale of ten non-core properties includes: Since March 2024, LondonMetric has offloaded 65 assets for £307 million (LondonMetric share: £302 million), achieving a 2% premium above book value. Targeted Acquisitions: High-Yield Opportunities LondonMetric’s acquisitions total £50.1 million, reflecting a strong focus on high-quality assets with promising rental growth. Highlights include: Commentary on the Moves Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of LondonMetric, highlighted the company’s strategy:“We have again successfully disposed of non-core assets at prices in line with our valuations and reinvested into higher-quality opportunities in strong conviction sectors, where rental growth prospects are more compelling.” Future-Focused Portfolio Optimisation This reshuffling aligns with LondonMetric’s broader strategy of enhancing portfolio quality, boosting rental income, and focusing on high-demand sectors. By divesting less lucrative assets and reinvesting in prime properties with strong growth potential, LondonMetric is positioning itself for sustained success in a competitive market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Global engineering consultancy Arup has officially opened its new Midlands base – one of its five largest global hubs – at Paradise Birmingham’s One Centenary Way, welcoming clients and contacts to mark the occasion. Arup was a major contractor to Birmingham City Council supporting it to deliver the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, helping to deliver the Alexander Stadium, transport and infrastructure improvements city wide, as well as the Perry Barr masterplan, and the Sandwell Aquatics Centre. Establishing a national and international centre of excellence for Arup in the Midlands, with nearly 800 staff and offering more than 90 specialist services UK-wide, the multi-million-pound investment cements Arup’s commitment to Birmingham and the region as a global business destination. Last year, the local Arup team worked on hundreds of projects locally and globally, supporting the delivery of more sustainable buildings, infrastructure, public spaces, and communities, and bringing the best of global expertise to the area. Arup’s move to the city centre is designed to attract local talent and aid the growth of the West Midlands as an innovation and skills hub. The new office location will bring Arup closer to schools, colleges and universities, ensuring stronger links to education and more opportunity to attract, grow and retain diverse industry talent locally. Based in the heart of the city, Arup’s public-facing activity hub on the ground floor, ‘The Gallery’, will be a space Arup staff are able to work alongside local partners and neighbours to deliver community based, and charitable activities. Speaking at the launch event, Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Arup’s move back into the heart of Birmingham city centre is a tremendous endorsement of all that our region has to offer a global player of Arup’s stature. “This kind of major investment is just the type we envisaged when we worked on the Enterprise Zone more than a decade ago – bringing to life our vision of a new city business district generating jobs for local people. “I know that this announcement will help equip young people from a wide variety of backgrounds with the skills, apprenticeships and opportunities they need to succeed. I cannot wait to see lives changed for the better in the months and years ahead. My thanks to Arup for helping to make that possible.” Understanding that the future office needs to compete with highly personalised home working arrangements, a variety of workplace settings, social areas, wellbeing areas, creative spaces and focus zones have been provided in the new Arup Midlands HQ. The new range of flexible workspaces is designed specifically to support collaboration, convening stakeholders and hosting events. Cem Budak, Arup Midlands Leader, said: “We are excited to officially open our new Midlands hub located in the heart of Birmingham, the UK’s second city. We are eager to build on six decades of expertise in Midlands and the opening of the new office will bring us closer to key decision-makers, clients and collaborators, helping to foster innovation and creativity across the region. “We helped to shape and design the space at One Centenary Way, which is undoubtedly one the finest commercial locations in the city. It is a space that our people already love working in and which helps them to engage with our clients and communities while exporting Birmingham skills and expertise around the world.” The new office plays a significant role in Arup’s ambition to reach net zero carbon by 2030. Arup worked closely with developer MEPC on One Centenary Way, which is the first building within the Paradise estate with all-electric heating and hot water systems, as well as SMART technology that enables continuous office adaptations around utilisation, comfort, and energy consumption. James Watts, Arup Birmingham Office Leader, said: “We are very proud that our new office is a showcase for our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions and our net zero carbon aspirations. We anticipate that our move will reduce travel emissions by over 60% and we will save over 1,100 tonnes of CO2 a year from our own staff commutes. Initiatives such as biophilic design, natural sheep wool wall insulation and a recycled material pallet will put our circular economy values into action while increasing staff connectivity with nature. “In addition, the office also ensures our knowledge and global expertise are easily accessible to local clients and collaborators, allowing us to continue to provide innovative solutions and long-lasting value.” Arup’s work in the Birmingham region for the last 60 years has helped shape the local landscape including major public buildings and developments from the NEC and ICC to commercial office buildings and new public realm like that created at Brindley place and Paradise in Birmingham. Arup’s major role in delivering the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and supporting infrastructure in and around Birmingham helped secure a meaningful legacy for the Games in the Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group has taken a significant step into the thriving Build-to-Rent (BtR) market by securing its first forward funding deal with Lloyds Living. This landmark partnership marks a major milestone for Hill Group as it ventures further into this expanding sector. The inaugural project involves the creation of 264 rental apartments in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. It represents a key phase of a larger masterplan, led by Hill, to deliver 576 apartments in Stevenage town centre. Designed to meet modern living demands, the one and two-bedroom apartments will be spread across three state-of-the-art buildings and offer residents exclusive amenities such as an on-site concierge, gym, co-working spaces, and parking facilities. Lloyds Living, the rental and shared ownership housing division of Lloyds Banking Group, is providing forward funding for the project and will oversee the management and leasing of the properties upon their scheduled completion in 2026. Expanding Hill Group’s BtR Footprint Building on its reputation as a trusted partner in the housebuilding industry, Hill is actively exploring BtR opportunities in collaboration with investors and partners. These initiatives include forward funding, forward commit, and joint ventures. The Stevenage development complements Hill’s growing pipeline of large-scale BtR projects, including flagship schemes in Coventry and Wembley. Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, shared his enthusiasm for the venture: “We are thrilled to announce our first Build-to-Rent deal, underscoring our commitment to this dynamic market. By combining our expertise in creating vibrant living spaces with Lloyds Living’s proven track record as a funder and operator, we are confident this Stevenage development will set a benchmark for quality rental homes. With its prime location and excellent amenities, this project is perfectly tailored to meet the needs of the growing number of professionals seeking rental properties in the area.” Meeting Housing Demand with Lloyds Living Andy Hutchinson, CEO of Lloyds Living, highlighted the significance of the Build-to-Rent sector: “BtR plays a crucial role in addressing the UK’s housing needs. Partnering with Hill on projects like this enables us to deliver high-quality homes for rent in areas where they are most needed, alongside the facilities that modern renters prioritise.” Looking Ahead The Stevenage project exemplifies the potential of Build-to-Rent to transform urban living by providing professionally managed rental properties in vibrant, well-connected locations. With both Hill Group and Lloyds Living focused on quality and community, this partnership is poised to deliver homes that meet the evolving expectations of today’s renters while contributing to the regeneration of Stevenage town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Blackpool Council has announced plans to appoint new commercial marketing agents to promote the Blackpool Central site to international leisure investors, aiming to attract fresh investment for the high-profile location. The move signals the termination of the previous agreement with developer Nikal Ltd. and marks a new phase in the site’s redevelopment, which is already underway. Earlier this year, the first stage of the Blackpool Central project was completed with the opening of a 1,306-space multi-storey car park, funded through private sector investment under the former agreement. Demolition work at the site is scheduled to begin early in the new year, following the appointment of contractor DSM Demolition. The project will see the removal of the old police station, municipal courts, and a former joke shop on Central Drive. The demolition costs will be covered by funding from the Blackpool Town Deal, part of a UK Government initiative announced in 2022. Located near the iconic Blackpool Tower and adjacent to the Promenade, the Blackpool Central site spans up to 15 acres and boasts prime accessibility, including a direct route from the motorway to the new car park. Once the site of the world’s busiest train station, it now presents a significant opportunity to add to Blackpool’s £1.7 billion visitor economy and generate new jobs for the local community. The Council has retained ownership of most of the Blackpool Central land, ensuring it remains available for future development while safeguarding public finances. The agreement with Nikal generated £4.5 million for the Council, supporting local services and providing an option to acquire the new car park for a nominal fee in the future. In the coming months, Blackpool Council will begin working with international marketing agents to attract private sector investors and developers. The goal is to secure a new leisure attraction that will complement the town’s existing offerings and further boost Blackpool’s status as a premier destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Redevco has cemented its position in the retail property sector with the acquisition of a 16-property retail park portfolio from Oxford Properties for £518 million. This significant transaction highlights Redevco’s strategic ambition to become one of Europe’s largest retail park asset managers. The portfolio, originally assembled by Oxford Properties via the M7 Real Estate specialist platform, encompasses a diverse mix of retail parks across the UK. The acquisition expands Redevco’s pan-European portfolio to nearly 200 retail park assets with a gross asset value of approximately €5 billion (~£4.1 billion). These holdings span key markets including Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the UK. A Strategic Move for Redevco Neil Slater, CEO of Redevco, praised the acquisition as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of retail parks. “This acquisition is a welcome addition to our pan-European platform, demonstrating our confidence in this sector. Retail parks offer cash-flow resilience and versatility, making them an attractive investment. We’re thrilled to bolster our holdings at a pivotal moment for the UK market.” Oxford Properties Reflects on Success James Boadle, Senior Vice President at Oxford Properties, highlighted the strategic timing of the sale. “This transaction reflects the value we have generated through our targeted move into the retail sector during the COVID-19 dislocation. Leveraging the expertise of our M7 Real Estate platform, we created an institutional-grade portfolio. With our business plan fulfilled, we are reallocating capital to explore new opportunities across the UK and Europe.” A High-Quality Portfolio The portfolio features prime retail destinations, including: These locations reflect a strong focus on tenant quality and asset performance, ensuring continued value for investors. A Future-Focused Perspective David Ebbrell, CEO of M7 Real Estate, underscored the strategic foresight behind the acquisitions. “Our teams identified deep value within the retail warehouse sector, executing projects that enhanced income and asset value. We are proud to have crafted a portfolio poised for long-term success and look forward to reinvesting the proceeds into new opportunities.” The off-market deal was facilitated by Glenlyon Real Estate, with advisory support from Staunton Whiteman, CSP, and McMullen Real Estate. Savills acted on behalf of Oxford Properties and M7 Real Estate. This acquisition marks a transformative chapter for Redevco, strengthening its footprint in a resilient and dynamic sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OCS, a global leader in facilities management, is pleased to announce the acquisition of FES FM and FES Support Services from Forth Holdings Limited, one of the most established providers of Hard Services in the UK. The acquisition will double the size of OCS’s Hard Services division, creating a combined entity with over 4,000 engineers and annual revenues exceeding £600 million. The deal marks the fifth UK acquisition for OCS in the last 12 months, further demonstrating its commitment to strategic growth and operational excellence. Founded in Scotland in 1999, FES FM and FES Support Services have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services to both private and public sector customers. Headquartered in Stirling, the businesses have a national presence, extensive service delivery capability and a large team of highly-trained mobile engineers, enabling them to provide first-rate support to their large network of customers with maximum efficiency. The businesses experience in guiding its customers through their net zero journeys will considerably strengthen OCS’s existing offering, with FES Support Services being leaders in energy and decarbonisation projects. Once combined, OCS’s Hard Services division will be one of the largest Hard Services businesses in the UK with significantly increased scale, density and expertise. OCS and the acquired companies share a strong alignment in values, particularly in their commitment to investing in their people. Both believe that colleague development is foundational to their success, a commitment clearly reflected in their respective apprenticeship programmes. Together, the combined business will support a thriving programme of over 500 live apprenticeships across the UK, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering social value by fostering talent and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. This aligns with OCS’s earlier pledge to increase its apprenticeship placements in the UK and Ireland to at least 1,000 over the next 12 months and to expand investment in its learning programmes, demonstrating its continuing dedication to nurturing skills and empowering communities. Daniel Dickson, OCS CEO – UK & Ireland, commented: “The companies exceptional track record in Hard Services, combined with longstanding customer relationships and regional strength, makes them an ideal fit for OCS as we look to expand our own Hard Services division. This acquisition not only enhances our offering but also provides us with the scale and resources needed to compete for the UK’s largest hard services and TFM contracts. We are excited to welcome the talented team to OCS and look forward to building a market-leading offering together, and importantly, it remains very much business as usual for all FES customers, ensuring a seamless transition and uninterrupted service.” Paul Lowe, CEO of Forth Holdings Limited, added: “FES FM and FES Support Services have flourished within Forth Holdings Limited and we are confident that under OCS’s leadership, the businesses will continue to grow and deliver exceptional services to its customers. We are proud of the legacy we have built with Forth and look forward to seeing its continued success as part of OCS, which is continuing to implement its ambitious growth strategy through organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions. I would like to thank my former colleagues for their dedication, loyalty and commitment over the years and wish them a successful future with OCS.” Rob Legge, OCS Group CEO, commented: “The acquisition of FES FM and FES Support Services is a significant milestone in our growth strategy, strengthening our hard services offering and doubling our footprint across the UK. It enhances our ability to deliver larger and more complex projects, positioning us to serve our customers even better, and is another step towards our vision of becoming the best facilities services provider in the world, ensuring we continue to deliver the best outcomes for our customers.” The merger of FES FM and FES Support Services into OCS’s Hard Services division will enable the group to capitalise on growth opportunities in sectors such as energy and technology, where FES Support Services expertise will be invaluable. This acquisition also opens up opportunities for OCS to cross-sell its Soft Services to the acquired companies’ extensive Hard Services customer base, further supporting the business’s growth strategy. This would also allow for OCS to further increase its existing presence in Scotland. This deal follows OCS’s recent acquisitions of Exclusive Services Group, Accuro and Abate Pest Management, Profile Security Services. Together, these strategic transactions support OCS’s broader strategy to double its UK & Ireland revenue over the next five years. As the market consolidates further, M&A will continue to feature heavily in the group’s long-term growth ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its results for the 2023/24 financial year. Reaching a key milestone for the business, RED Construction Group has reported a turnover of £115m, as the company continues to deliver targeted revenue and achieve sustainable profit. Across the financial period, from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024, RED Construction Group has maintained a pre-tax profit margin of 1.7%, while taking turnover to nine figures for the first time in the company’s history. RED Construction Group forecasted more than 60% growth for 2023/24 in the previous financial year results, a figure that has been exceeded. Maintaining a stabilised income stream, The Group has already secured over £100m in contracts for its 2024/25 financial year. Operating year-on-year as a stable, profit-generating business, RED Construction Group is firmly established across multiple regions and sectors through an ambitious, controlled growth strategy. Key project wins and completions in that timeframe include South West’s team work on the £22m Net Zero Carbon Zeal Hotel in Exeter, creating a benchmark for the industry. RED Special Projects’ delivery of Warwick Castle Hotel, part of Merlin Entertainment’s £16.4m investment in Warwick Castle, following works delivered at Merlin Entertainment’s £35m LEGOLAND Woodland Village scheme in Windsor during the previous financial year. RED Construction London completed phase one works at The Sheppard Trust’s redevelopment of the Royal Cambridge Home in Surrey, alongside delivering Barwood Capital’s multi-million-pound redevelopment of Explore, the office building in Richmond. Graham Sturge, CEO, RED Construction Group, commented: “12 months ago, we predicted 2023/24 would be a huge milestone for the business, and I’m proud that we’ve met that and more, with a turnover comfortably over the £100m mark for the first time. We’ve also sustained a robust profit margin, an important element of the stable, considered growth we want to achieve year-on-year. “Whilst we celebrate this, we’re also very conscious of the volatility of our market. Our focus for the coming year remains the same – risk management, stable growth, and supporting our supply chain partners, that are often hit hard by that volatility and rarely spoken about publicly. With contracts secured and work underway that will guarantee more growth for 2024/25 – alongside our ongoing relationships with clients, new partnerships, team growth, and project delivery across London, the South West, and beyond – we’ve built a sustainable platform to serve one of the biggest industries in the UK with excellence in the years to come.” RED Construction Group is currently delivering a portfolio of works across hospitality, commercial, office, and student accommodation sectors. Projects include the landmark 130,000 sq ft office scheme in the heart of Westminster for Tellon Capital, Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM)’s comprehensive refurbishment of 8 Lancelot Place, a live office building in Knightsbridge, and significant works to Manhattan Loft’s iconic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
New analysis from Excellion Capital, the boutique debt advisory and investments firm, reveals that developing agricultural Class Q land into residential dwellings can create a market value of £3.7m for savvy investors. As British farmers face the threat of a new 20% inheritance tax levy on all land and business assets worth more than £1m, some farming families are looking at ways in which they can sell all or part of their land to pay inheritance tax bills, or at the very least mitigate the future cost of inheritance tax. But does such an investment make sense for developers? Excellion Capital has analysed the investment potential available to developers who purchase Class Q land for the construction of residential properties, to see what sort of return they can expect. Some farmers are selling the entire farm With the new inheritance tax proposal potentially disincentivising farmers from passing their businesses down to the next generation, some families are having to consider the idea of selling the entire farm. Excellion’s analysis of current market listings* has found that there are currently 112 farms currently listed for sale in England. Existing data shows that the average sale price of arable land over the first half of 2024 stands at £11,000 per acre, while the average sale value of pasture land stands at £9,600 per acre*. According to further data from the UK government*, the average size of a UK farm is 202.6 acres. As such, the estimated average value of an arable farm currently stands at £2.23m, while the average value of a pasture farm is £1.94m. The Class Q option To avoid having to sell their farms, or sell quality farming land, Excellion’s research reveals that thousands of farmers have the alternative option of selling agricultural buildings and their plots, otherwise known as Class Q land. Under Class Q permitted development rights, disused or current buildings located on agricultural units can be converted into residential dwellings, with the option to create as many as 10 homes from a single building. As such, plots that aren’t in regular or meaningful use and don’t contribute greatly to the ongoing success of the farm, can be offloaded to residential developers for substantial amounts of money. Excellion’s analysis of planning data* reveals that there are currently 8,892 Class Q sites in England eligible for change of use from agricultural to residential. These sites are not necessarily listed for sale. Instead, they are opportunities identified through the planning classification assigned to them. What investment potential does Class Q land hold for developers? As of 2024, developers can build a maximum of 10 homes on a Class Q plot across a maximum floor space of 1,000 square metres. As such, the average floor space of each home can be calculated at 100 square metres. According to the most recent figures (November 2024), the average value of developed land stands at £347 per square foot. 100 square metres is equivalent to 1,076 square feet, which means a 100 square metre home has an average market value of £374,019. Therefore, developers who build 10 homes on a Class Q site are looking at a potential total sale value of more than £3.7m. How much should an investor pay for undeveloped Class Q land? If the potential value of a developed Class Q site sits at £3.7m, how much can developers expect to pay to purchase the land in the first place? An average expected land cost can be calculated by taking the value of the developed land (£3.7m), and subtracting the estimated cost of construction* combined with the developer’s required profit margin (which sits at an industry average of 20%*). This means removing an average of £2.6m. The figure you’re left with is roughly £1.1m which is, therefore, the average price that a developer can expect to pay for a plot of undeveloped Class Q land large enough to build the maximum number of properties allowed. Who is currently buying farmland? In 2014, private investors, institutional investors, and overseas buyers purchased little more than 20% of English farms that were put up for sale. By 2023, buyers accounted for approximately 30% of all English farm purchases. This suggests that over the past decade, investors and developers have identified the potential returns available from purchasing and redeveloping farmland, and given the new situation that farmers find themselves in, it’s reasonable to assume that these numbers are going to increase further over the coming months and years. Robert Sadler, Vice President of Real Estate at Excellion Capital, comments: “Farmers are understandably concerned about the proposed inheritance tax changes, and the tax bills involved could put real financial pressure on them. But while many farmers might be cash poor, they are increasingly asset rich – there is a lot of hidden value in farmland – and that’s why Class Q opportunities present such a great opportunity to create cash wealth by selling off what is, in many cases, little more than brownfield land. And while these Class Q designated plots provide an income opportunity for farmers, they also make for a very promising avenue that investors and developers should now be exploring. Considering that many farmers aren’t even aware of the Class Q opportunities that exist on their land, it’s clear that investors have the chance to strike up some very interesting and lucrative conversations with farmers up and down the country. But Class Q opportunities aren’t the only thing that developers and investors should be considering when it comes to conversations about farmland. Land promotion – in which a land promoter agrees with a farmer to gain planning permission for a small portion of their land, at which point the land can become up to 100-times more valuable and can be sold to local developers and housebuilders – is also becoming an increasingly fruitful endeavour. I personally worked on four land promotion deals in 2023, all in local areas with a drastic shortage of housing. With planning permission obtained, the land value was projected to be between
Quintain, the visionary developer behind the transformative Wembley Park regeneration project, has announced the successful refinancing of its flagship build-to-rent (BtR) building, The Robinson, with a £128.7 million Natixis CIB green loan. This refinancing initiative not only reduces the existing debt facility but also underscores Quintain’s commitment to sustainable urban development. The original construction was financed by Cheyne Capital, which remains an active partner in other projects at Wembley Park. The Robinson: A Beacon of Modern LivingSituated in the Eastern Lands of Wembley Park, The Robinson comprises 458 rental homes, including 63 discounted market rent and affordable units, catering to diverse needs with studios to four-bedroom apartments. Its prime location adjacent to Quintain’s Canada Gardens and the iconic Wembley Stadium adds to its appeal. Designed with modern sharers in mind, the development benefits from Quintain Living’s award-winning property management expertise, offering residents a vibrant and well-connected lifestyle within one of London’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. Building a Sustainable FutureSince initiating the Wembley Park project 20 years ago, Quintain has delivered over 5,000 homes, creating the UK’s largest BtR neighbourhood. With an investment of £2.9 billion to date, the company is set to deliver two additional BtR schemes and a major public park by 2025. Quintain’s community-first approach was further cemented this year with the opening of the borough’s largest NHS GP surgery, reflecting its integrated mixed-use masterplan. The Robinson’s energy efficiency, ranking it within the top 15% of residential assets in the UK, earned the development Natixis CIB Green Loan status. This certification highlights Quintain’s dedication to environmentally sustainable construction and demonstrates the financial viability of its ESG-focused initiatives. Leadership InsightsPhilip Slavin, Chief Financial Officer at Quintain, stated:“We’re proud to have secured this new lending facility with Natixis CIB. The Robinson exemplifies the excellence of Wembley Park’s BtR developments and demonstrates the desirability of both the sector and the neighbourhood. Achieving green loan status further validates our commitment to sustainability while ensuring a robust financial platform for future projects.” Diego Sanfilippo, Head of Real Estate & Hospitality UK at Natixis CIB, added:“We are delighted to support Quintain with green financing for The Robinson. This environmentally sustainable development aligns with our mission to back high-quality, ESG-driven projects in prime locations, strengthening our real estate lending franchise in the UK.” A Team EffortLegal experts also played a crucial role in the deal: Quintain’s achievements at Wembley Park are a testament to its commitment to creating sustainable, community-focused developments that redefine modern living while setting a benchmark for ESG excellence. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
