Watkin Jones, the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent, is pleased to announce that the Group recently practically completed on the first phase of its 551-bed BTR scheme in Sherlock Quarter, Sherlock Street, Birmingham.
The first phase, consisting of 125 units, was delivered by Watkin Jones on behalf of Get Living and is part of a broader six-building development set to be completed later this year.
Sherlock Quarter (formerly known as Maker’s Yard) is built on a former brownfield site and provides a mix of high-quality one, two and three-bedroom apartments for rent and with 27 affordable homes in this phase. This first phase is spread over two 8 storey buildings. Amenities include a gym, co-working space, social lounges, a landscaped podium, and a double-height sky lounge.
The development is located just 500 metres from the iconic Bull Ring shopping centre, right in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre. Future residents will have convenient access to the city's extensive range of shops, restaurants, bars, and public transport via Birmingham New Street Station.
Managed by Get Living, this development covers a 2.47-acre site and will include a new pedestrianised public square that connects the city centre with the wider Rea Valley Urban Quarter.
The project incorporates sustainable design features including, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (‘SuDS’). The scheme also includes charging points for electric cars and ample bicycle storage for residents, supporting sustainable local transport. Additionally, the development is set to achieve a BREEAM “Very Good” rating and Level 3 HQM rating, in addition to WiredScore Gold.
Richard Harris, Group Delivery, Managing Director – Group Delivery, Watkin Jones, said: “We are pleased to announce the practical completion and handover of the first phase of Sherlock Quarter, a key component of a larger Build-to-Rent (BTR) development, to our client, Get Living.
“This new development helps to address the housing shortage in Birmingham, and in partnership with Get Living, we have successfully delivered the first sustainable rental homes in Sherlock Quarter, providing residents with long-term value.”
Rick De Blaby, CEO of Get Living added:
“It’s brilliant to see the progress made by Watkin Jones at Sherlock Quarter. This milestone marks the beginning of a handover process which will see us deliver 551 high-quality new rental homes for Birmingham, 47 of which will be affordable, alongside new shops and public realm for all to enjoy.
“Schemes such as this not only directly address the housing shortage being felt across the country, but also support growth and prosperity across one of the UK's greatest cities. We are looking forward to welcoming our first residents later this year as we become long-term stakeholders, making a positive contribution to this vibrant, fast-paced city.”
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Media enquiries:
Burson Buchanan
Henry Harrison-Topham / Jamie Hooper
watkinjones@buchanan.uk.com
www.buchanancomms.co.uk
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 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 19,000 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
