Highlights:
- Refresh, Watkin Jones Group’s asset enhancement platform, appointed by Aprirose at Central Studios, Reading
- Aprirose acquired 141-studio asset in 2025 and has been delivering its asset management strategy led by its in-house team
- Phased refurbishment and amenity reconfiguration being delivered within a live, operational scheme to enhance student experience and create value
Aprirose Real Estate Investment has appointed Refresh (“Refresh - Asset Enhancement”), Watkin Jones Group’s asset enhancement platform, at Central Studios in Reading to deliver a targeted repositioning of its 141-studio PBSA scheme.
The move follows Aprirose’s acquisition of the scheme in 2025 and the implementation of its asset management strategy via its specialist in-house team.
The upgrade programme being delivered by Refresh is focused on enhancing the functionality, utilisation and overall appeal of the asset through targeted, cost-effective improvements. Works include the soft refurbishment of studios, improvements to circulation spaces and a full reconfiguration of amenity and reception spaces, unlocking underutilised space and aligning the scheme to modern PBSA expectations - all delivered within a live operational environment with minimal disruption.
The scope includes:
- Reconfiguration and repositioning of amenity and reception spaces to improve layout, flow and usability, supporting student living, study and social interaction;
- Soft refurbishment of 141 studios including redecoration, flooring upgrades, and furniture upgrade or replacement;
- New and upgraded mattresses, to promote better sleep – a core concern for students according to feedback;
- Repair and renewal of joinery items, door and window upgrades and replacements;
- Bathroom enhancements, including upgrades to fittings and mirrors;
- Full redecoration of corridors, stairwells and lift lobbies including flooring and light fittings;
Works began in March 2026 and are being delivered in phases across summer 2026, carefully aligned to operational requirements within a live, occupied environment in order to minimise disruption to the student experience. The programme demonstrates Refresh’s ability to deliver targeted, cost-effective improvements that unlock value, extend asset lifecycle and enhance resident experience, all while maintaining continuity within a live scheme.
Andy Thorne, Technical Services Director at Watkin Jones, said: “Central Studios is a strong example of how targeted refurbishment and clear, well-planned reconfiguration can reposition an operational PBSA asset. The focus has been on improving how the space works day-to-day for residents, while delivering upgrades that support long-term value for our client, all without disrupting ongoing operations.”
Sameer Gheewala, VP of Asset Management at Aprirose, said: “We acquired Central Studios last year as we were attracted to the limited future PBSA supply in Reading, the fact the asset was established with strong occupancy and high re-booker rates and the clear asset management opportunities it presented through future refurb, cost reduction and lease regearing for example. Our specialist in-house asset management team has worked hard to put in place a strong strategy to implement these activities and appointed Refresh to deliver the upgrades in a live environment to minimise disruption and enhance the asset and the student experience, embedding feedback via strong engagement to help shape the work.”
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