Watkin Jones, the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent, is pleased to announce that the Group recently practically completed on a 335-bed purpose-built student accommodation (‘PBSA’) scheme called The Brook, situated in Lower Bristol Road in Bath.
This milestone marks the completion of the final development in a portfolio of three PBSA schemes located in Swansea, Nottingham, and Bath. These schemes were sold by Watkin Jones to EQT Exeter in 2022 as part of a larger transaction, which represented EQT Exeter’s first venture into the UK PBSA market.
Part of a major mixed-use project, The Brook is a two-building development that has 215 cluster flats and 120 studios which are now ready for incoming students for the 2024/25 academic year. The scheme will be managed by Fresh, the Group’s specialist accommodation management business.
The scheme offers 335 sq m of indoor and outdoor amenity space, featuring a private courtyard and gardens. Located within a 15-minute walk from the historic city centre, The Brook provides excellent sustainable transport options, including the nearby National Route Four cycling route, local buses, and Bath Spa train station.
Built on a former car park, the development will help address Bath’s growing demand for student accommodation. The University of Bath, a top 10 UK university, remains a prime destination for higher education students and accommodation in the city is stretched across both PBSA and build-to-rent (‘BTR’).
The Brook is designed with sustainability in mind, delivering a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. Offering a WiredScore Platinum rating, the development ensures a top-tier living experience delivered through technology-enabled amenities. Furthermore, 170 secure cycle parking spaces are available for student use.
Richard Harris, Managing Director – Group Delivery at Watkin Jones, said: “This is another milestone for Watkin Jones, and we are proud to hand over the keys to The Brook in time for the 2024/25 academic year.
“We have worked closely with EQT Exeter on this project to strengthen the availability of much-needed student accommodation in Bath, a city renowned for its excellent higher education, attracting both domestic and international students. Fresh will manage The Brook, ensuring it meets the very highest standards for student living and wellbeing.
“Watkin Jones remains committed to investing in the South West, to consistently delivering high-quality, sustainable student accommodation that provides a comfortable home for students.”
Sam Scott, Managing Director at Fresh, added: 'We are thrilled to manage The Brook, a development that perfectly aligns with our commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable communities. At Fresh, we understand the importance of providing students with not just a place to live, but a space where they can thrive. With its modern amenities and focus on wellbeing, The Brook is set to become a standout residence in Bath, offering an exceptional student experience from day one.”
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Burson Buchanan
Henry Harrison-Topham / Jamie Hooper
watkinjones@buchanan.uk.com
www.bursonbuchanan.com
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000
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.
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
About Fresh
Fresh (the trading name of Fresh Property Group Ltd) is the market leading third-party manager of residential for rent homes in the UK and Ireland and is Watkin Jones’ specialist accommodation management business. It manages c.20,277 build to rent, co-living and student accommodation homes for a wide range of clients across 58 operational properties. Over the last 14 years Fresh has delivered effective management for clients while maintaining a focus on high levels of service for residents, holding an over 95% customer satisfaction rating in a recent independent survey and winning 33 national awards. For more information, please visit www.thisisfresh.com