Watkin Jones, the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent, is pleased to announce that the Group has practically completed on a 370-bed purpose-built student housing (PBSA) scheme in Ty Nant, Swansea in South Wales.
This scheme represents part of a portfolio of operational and forward-funded schemes sold to EQT Exeter, by Watkin Jones, offering over 2,000 beds in Bath, Nottingham, Swansea, Bristol and Glasgow and managed by Watkin Jones’ residential for rent manager, Fresh. This brings EQT Exeter’s fourth operational building to the UK, raising its European operational bed count above 4,000.
The construction work took two years to complete and was delivered on time by Watkin Jones on behalf of EQT Exeter. The 370-bed scheme comprises of cluster flats and studios, and will be managed by Fresh, a wholly owned subsidiary of Watkin Jones, one of the largest student accommodation operators in the UK. The building amenities include a gym, social spaces, study and gaming rooms and there is an added benefit of a roof terrace with planters and seating for residents to enjoy. The scheme has good transport links to the university campuses, it is conveniently located next to Swansea train station, and it is within easy walking distance to the city.
In support of Watkin Jones’ ESG strategy, this state-of-the-art development incorporates cutting edge technology and engineering to target reduced emissions and help achieve the Group’s sustainability objectives. In addition to achieving a BREEAM “Excellent” rating, one of the key features is the implementation of air source heat pumps for the central heating and hot water system, substantially reducing the carbon footprint of the site. A grey-water irrigation system has been integrated to efficiently utilise water resources in addition to a water attenuation system, preventing overcapacity into the public drainage system. Furthermore, the development includes charging points for electric cars, as well as a large amount of bicycle storage, supporting sustainable transport across the city. The scheme also includes irrigated roof gardens in addition to a green living wall.
Swansea, the second largest city in Wales, is a growing destination for students and this scheme provides high-quality sustainable homes to meet the city’s growing demand for student accommodation.
Richard Harris, Group Delivery, Managing Director Watkin Jones, said: “We are thrilled to practically complete Ty Nant and hand this scheme over to our client, as part of our portfolio of five operational and forward-funded schemes sold to EQT Exeter.
This project signifies our continued dedication to delivering top-tier PBSA housing, situated in prime UK locations for students. Our projects focus on sustainability and cutting-edge facilities and this development represents our continued priority to advance the quality of life for students, creating a welcoming environment and a positive experience. Fresh will be managing Ty Nant, our third property within Swansea, where students can experience award winning accommodation and management.”
Russell Petrie, Head of Student Housing - Europe at EQT Exeter said: We are pleased the Ty Nant building in Swansea has achieved practical completion. The building has been completed to a very high standard and has been extremely popular with students. We look forward to working with Watkin Jones successfully on our two upcoming developments at Nottingham and Bath.”
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Media enquiries:
Buchanan (Watkin Jones)
Henry Harrison-Topham / Jamie Hooper
watkinjones@buchanan.uk.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
Notes to Editors
Watkin Jones is the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent, with a focus on the build to rent, student accommodation and affordable housing sectors. The Group has strong relationships with institutional investors, and a reputation for successful, on-time-delivery of high-quality developments. Since 1999, Watkin Jones has delivered 48,000 student beds across 143 sites, making it a key player and leader in the UK purpose-built student accommodation market, and is increasingly expanding its operations into the build to rent sector. In addition, Fresh, the Group's specialist accommodation management business, manages over 22,000 student beds and build to rent apartments on behalf of its institutional clients. Watkin Jones has also been responsible for over 80 residential developments, ranging from starter homes to executive housing and apartments.
The Group's competitive advantage lies in its experienced management team and capital-light business model, which enables it to offer an end-to-end solution for investors, delivered entirely in-house with minimal reliance on third parties, across the entire life cycle of an asset.
Watkin Jones was admitted to trading on AIM in March 2016 with the ticker WJG.L. For additional information please visit www.watkinjonesplc.com