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Gamuda Berhad and Singapore\u2019s Q Investment Partners are progressing their Woolwich PBSA project, adding 120 bedrooms and reaching a total development value of \u00a3144.5 million, as they capitalise on high demand and sustainability goals within the UK student housing sector.<\/p>\n
Malaysia\u2019s Gamuda Berhad and Singapore-based Q Investment Partners (QIP) are set to expand their purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme at Beresford Street in Woolwich, London, further underlining their confidence in the UK student housing market. Following the topping out of phase one, the strategic partnership will now develop phase two, adding 120 bedrooms to raise the total accommodation to 419 bedrooms across both phases. This expansion is valued at a gross development value of approximately \u00a341.5 million, bringing the combined development value to around \u00a3144.5 million. The second phase site was acquired from London investor Hurlington Capital and is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026.<\/p>\n
The Beresford Street development forms a core part of the multi-billion-pound Royal Arsenal regeneration project in southeast London, offering direct access to central London through the Elizabeth Line. Commute times from Woolwich to key academic hubs such as the University of Greenwich, King\u2019s College London, and the London School of Economics range from 24 to 35 minutes, making it an attractive location for students attending these institutions. Both Gamuda and QIP have highlighted the project\u2019s focus on student wellbeing, with amenities to include private study areas, fitness and yoga rooms, games rooms, bicycle storage, and a community hub featuring commercial space at street level. The development also prioritises sustainability, targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings for phase one, and designates 35% of the units as affordable student accommodation to enhance accessibility.<\/p>\n
This joint venture marks a significant milestone for both Gamuda and QIP. Phase one represented Gamuda\u2019s inaugural foray into the UK student housing market and QIP\u2019s first PBSA venture in London, with a 299-bedroom development that features a 50\/50 split of studio and cluster rooms. The original phase one project site was acquired by Hurlington Capital in 2020, with construction commencing in late 2024 and aiming for completion for the 2026\/27 academic year. QIP\u2019s development arm leads the project management, supported by co-developer Hurlington Capital and main contractor C-Field Construction. The development secured a \u00a347.3 million loan facility to support the project, signalling strong financial backing and confidence in the sector\u2019s resilience.<\/p>\n
Industry leaders involved in the project have emphasised the strategic importance of the Woolwich location and the robust fundamentals of the UK student housing market. Gamuda Land\u2019s CEO, Chu Wai Lune, stated their commitment to expanding their PBSA footprint in key academic cities by partnering on high-quality, sustainable living spaces that meet global student needs. Similarly, Peter Young, CEO and co-founder of QIP, highlighted the Woolwich development as a flagship project within QIP\u2019s UK portfolio, reflecting a long-term dedication to delivering institutional-grade student accommodation. He noted that their approach leverages QIP\u2019s vertically integrated real estate platform and development expertise to capitalise on what they see as compelling opportunities within the UK\u2019s growing PBSA sector.<\/p>\n
The importance of Woolwich in the broader landscape of London\u2019s student accommodation has been underscored by the area\u2019s multi-modal transport connectivity and ongoing regeneration efforts. The proximity to the newly opened Elizabeth Line enhances access not only to central London but to multiple major universities within a 30 to 40-minute journey. This strategic accessibility, combined with strong design and sustainability credentials, is expected to foster both community engagement and investor confidence in the project. As the UK student accommodation market continues to evolve, developments like Beresford Street exemplify the melding of location, quality, and long-term value creation that investors and operators alike seek.<\/p>\n