Completion of building’s structure
Watkin Jones, the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent, announces that yesterday the ‘topping out’ ceremony of its BTR scheme, Leatherhead in Surrey, took place.
The commemorative event signals the completion of the concrete frame and was celebrated at the highest point of the building with the layering of the last remaining cement. Watkin Jones colleagues were joined by the client, Get Living in addition to subcontractors to celebrate this achievement.
Forward funded by Get Living, the site is part of a wider portfolio of funding, representing Watkin Jones’ ongoing partnership with the industry leading business. Get Living is committed to changing renting for the better, creating neighbourhoods that bring people together and that are fit for the future.
On completion the scheme will offer residents one, two and three-bed apartments, including 36 affordable homes to rent and it will be the first operational BTR project in the town. It is close to the shopping and hospitality areas in the centre of Leatherhead, as well as the River Mole Nature Reserve, and Leatherhead Park.
The development offers strong ESG credentials targeting the Home Quality Mark ‘Level 3’. The build will include air source heat pumps and a high green space with a large landscaped central courtyard, offering residents outdoor communal space to enjoy. The development is well positioned for sustainable transport, located a short walk from Leatherhead railway station, offering direct access to Central London in less than an hour and the open spaces of Box Hill in five minutes.
Alex Pease, Chief Investment Officer, Watkin Jones, said: “We have worked closely with the team at Get Living to introduce BTR as a first to Leatherhead. Together we are investing in creating homes that are great places to live for families, both now and in the future with sustainable benefits to residents and the local community.
“This scheme demonstrates Watkin Jones’ outstanding track record as the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent of introducing BTR into new locations and providing much needed housing supply in the midst of a shortage of homes. Our sustainable offering includes the Home Quality Mark ‘Level 3’ securing strong ESG credentials and featuring air source heat pumps in addition to a high green space provision with a large landscaped central courtyard. We are very excited to see the first residents enjoy their home here.”
Rick de Blaby, Chief Executive, Get Living, said:“ This fantastic scheme is the culmination of a strong partnership between ourselves and Watkin Jones, which shares our vision for Leatherhead and commitment to sustainable development. Topping out marks an important milestone in the delivery of the scheme, which is on track to welcome residents in 2025 with 214 high-quality and energy efficient homes on the doorstep of the River Mole Nature Reserve.
“Delivering neighbourhoods such as this, strategically located close to major urban centres, is crucial if we are going to tackle the chronic undersupply of homes in the UK.”
- Ends -
Media enquiries:
Buchanan (Watkin Jones)
Henry Harrison-Topham / Jamie Hooper
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
watkinjones@buchanan.uk.com
www.buchanan.uk.com
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
Get Living is the UK’s leading build to rent investor, developer and operator. We provide quality rental homes in neighbourhoods that nurture togetherness, belonging and opportunity in a way that generates financial, environmental and social value for residents and shareholders alike.
Since the business was founded in 2013, Get Living’s portfolio has grown to 4,000 homes for rent across three neighbourhoods: East Village and Elephant Central in London and New Maker Yards at Middlewood Locks, Manchester. Further neighbourhoods are planned or under construction across the UK including Lewisham, Maidenhead, Birmingham, Leatherhead, Leeds and Glasgow, delivering a further 6,500 homes.