Highlights:
- Refresh, Watkin Jones Group’s asset enhancement platform, has been appointed by OPRE Solutions at Pavilion Court, Wembley
- Phased amenity upgrade delivered within a live, operational scheme
- Targeted refurbishment extends lifecycle value of existing 699-bed PBSA scheme
OPRE Solutions has appointed Refresh (“Refresh - Asset Enhancement”), Watkin Jones Group’s asset enhancement platform, at Pavilion Court in Wembley to deliver a multi-phase, amenity-led refurbishment of its 699-bed PBSA scheme. The scheme is part of a portfolio of UK PBSA assets acquired by QuadReal Property Group (QuadReal) in 2025, which OPRE is retained to asset manage.
The programme will drive targeted investment to reposition and enhance the asset, focusing on improving functionality and sustainability, elevating the resident experience and unlocking underutilised space through a design-led approach aligned to modern PBSA expectations.
The scope, across three blocks, directly responds to student feedback and engagement, and includes:
- Redesign and upgrade of front of house, including a reconfigured reception and arrival experience with bespoke fitted joinery with a larger, repositioned front desk, floating desks and feature lighting in addition to expanded back-of-house workspace
- Introduction of new social and casual study areas to enhance the student experience
- Full replanning of amenity floors to create clearly defined zones for socialising, group and private study, with new games and breakout spaces
- Refurbishment and rezoning of the gym to include dedicated areas for cardio, resistance training and yoga/meditation in response to student demand
- Upgrades to dining space, including a refurbished private dining room, new furniture and lighting plus wellbeing and fitness spaces
Works have commenced and are being delivered in phases throughout May and June 2026. The programme is carefully sequenced to operational requirements within a live, occupied environment. This demonstrates Refresh’s capability to partner with clients to reposition existing assets and deliver long-term value while maintaining operational continuity and minimising disruption.
Andy Thorne, Technical Services Director at Watkin Jones, said:
“Pavilion Court is a strong example of how targeted, design‑led refurbishment can reposition an existing PBSA asset and extend its long‑term value. Building on existing Watkin Jones expertise, the Refresh team has focused on improving functionality and delivering meaningful upgrades to the scheme, all while minimising disruption and carefully aligning with operational requirements.”
Brian Welsh, CEO at OPRE Solutions, commented:
“Pavilion Court, Wembley, is one of eight PBSA assets acquired for QuadReal's portfolio last year. The OPRE team is implementing tailored asset management strategies across each property to drive value and optimise performance. We have engaged Refresh, specialists in upgrade works within live operational schemes, to enhance communal areas and wellbeing facilities, further elevating the student experience."
Pavilion Court is a modern and stylish student accommodation development comprising a range of en suites and studios. It is located just minutes from top London Universities and close to Central London via the tube, as well as a short walk from Wembley Stadium, BoxPark and the London Designer Outlet.
--Ends--