Watkin Jones, the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent, is pleased to announce that the Group has recently topped out on a 335-bed purpose-built student accommodation (‘PBSA’) scheme, The Brook in Lower Bristol Road, located in Bath. This commemorative event signals that the concrete framework is now complete, and it was a proud moment for everyone involved, including EQT Exeter and subcontractors. The topping out was marked by laying the last remaining concrete at the top of the highest building.
Forward funded by EQT Exeter, the two-building development forms part of a major mixed-use scheme at Lower Bristol Road. The 335-bed development will be managed by Fresh, Watkin Jones’ third-party manager for rent, providing much needed student accommodation in Bath. Upon completion next summer, in time for the 2024 academic year, the development will offer 215 cluster flats and 120 studios.
The scheme will have 335 sq m of internal and external amenity space and will include a private courtyard and gardens. The Brook is conveniently located within a 15-minute walk from the historic city centre. Bath offers excellent sustainable transport options including the nearby National Route Four cycling route, local buses and Bath rail station.
Established as a top 10 UK university, The University of Bath continues to be a leading destination for students in higher education. Accommodation across the city is stretched across both build-to-rent (‘BTR’) and PBSA. Transforming this former car park and creating this major PBSA development in Lower Bristol Road is key in helping Bath address the ever-increasing demand for student accommodation.
Future proofing the development, The Brook is sustainably designed, targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The roof will have PV cells and biodiversity will be present throughout the scheme. This includes the planting of new trees on the frontage, adding to the attractiveness within the wider area. 170 secure cycle parking spaces will be available for students within the PBSA side of the scheme.
Targeting a WiredScore Silver rating will provide best-in-class delivery and execution for residents through its technology-enabled experience.
Watkin Jones has an excellent track record of delivery in Bath, delivering three schemes in the last 10 years that have added over 250 new homes for residents.
Richard Harris, Managing Director – Group Delivery, Watkin Jones, said: “We are proud to have arrived at this milestone today in topping out and celebrating the work the Watkin Jones team and our partners have achieved to date.
“We have worked closely with EQT Exeter on this development, and it is a clear example of what great PBSA looks like. Watkin Jones has a proven track record in delivering high quality student accommodation that is sustainable and provides a comfortable home for students.
“Bath continues to be a destination of choice for domestic and international students to live in, and this scheme will help alleviate some of the ongoing housing shortage for the growing number of students studying in the city.”
Russell Petrie, Head of Student Housing - Europe, EQT Exeter, commented: “We are excited by the progress at this project in achieving this key milestone as we start mobilising the building for student occupation ahead of the 2024-25 academic year. The Brook will provide high-quality living accommodation in a market that is severely undersupplied and will aim to set a new benchmark for living in the city.”
Media enquiries:
Buchanan
Henry Harrison-Topham / Steph Whitmore / 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 over 49,000 student beds across 147 schemes, 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 16,800 student beds and build to rent apartments on behalf of its institutional clients. Watkin Jones has also been responsible for over 50 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