Q Investment Partners (QIP) has announced a ₤100m UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) JV with Gamuda. The completion of the equity funding will see QIP, alongside UK-based co-developer Hurlington Capital, develop a new PBSA scheme in Woolwich, London.
The Woolwich site was acquired by Hurlington Capital in 2020 and is situated in a prime location as part of the multi-billion-pound regeneration of the former Royal Arsenal in London.
This will be the first PBSA scheme in the regeneration area, delivering 299 beds in a mix of 150 studios and 149 cluster rooms.
Demolition has been completed, with work on site starting in Q3 2024. The accommodation will be available for the 2026/27 academic year.
QIP subsidiary company, QIP Development Group (QIPDG), will lead as development managers, supported by Hurlington Capital. Both parties will share development management responsibilities, with C-Field Construction appointed as the main contractor.
“This joint venture with Gamuda represents a significant milestone for QIP. It marks our entrance into the London Student Housing market, with Woolwich becoming our eleventh UK asset to date. We are targeting further UK PBSA opportunities with Gamuda as part of our respective larger strategy in the sector.
“The successful closing of this transaction underscores our commitment to investing in high-quality student housing by delivering over 2,000 beds across prime university cities. We are excited to work with our partners to bring this project to fruition, leveraging our integrated development capabilities.’’
Peter Young, CEO and co-founder of Q Investment Partners
The location of the PBSA site benefits from exceptional transport links, including national rail, DLR, and Elizabeth line stations within a five-minute walk. Eight major universities are within 40 minutes of the site.
Boasting generous ground floor amenities and a roof terrace, the development will also feature outdoor landscaping. There will also be communal study and lounge spaces, private study areas, a game and social space, a fitness centre, a movie room and a bike store.
The building will include a ground floor hub offering meeting space for local community groups. It will also provide 35% affordable student accommodation and target BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings.
QIP have said that the project represents a significant milestone in their continued growth.
“We are tremendously proud of our Woolwich Arsenal PBSA development, representing one of the last remaining sites within the larger Berkeley Homes rejuvenation masterplan.
“Our QIP Development Group (QIPDG) in co-operation with Hurlington Capital have been working collaboratively on this project over the last 12 months and look forward to working with our funding partner Gamuda and its property development arm, Gamuda Land to bring this one to market in academic year 2026. The project represents a significant milestone in QIP’s continued growth of their vertically integrated real estate platform.
James Coppack, Head of Development at Q Investment Partners
This project is QIP’s largest single asset transaction and its first strategic partnership with Gamuda – a major engineering, infrastructure and property developer listed on Bursa Malaysia.
Gamuda Land view the agreement as a strategic move to focus on high-yield quick turnaround projects.
“Our partnership with QIP on this project is a strategic move that aligns with our focus on high-yield Quick Turnaround Projects (QTPs) and growth in familiar territories that we operate in. By strategically balancing township developments with QTPs, we are able to deliver sustainable, high-quality developments with greater efficiency.”
Chu Wai Lune, CEO, Gamuda Land
