Watkin Jones has reached a construction milestone, topping out at the Grove Crescent Road purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Stratford, East London.
Funded through a joint venture with HGP – the Lloyds Banking Group and Homes England-backed equity investor focused on the UK living sectors – Grove Crescent Road will deliver 397 student bedrooms in a mix of 241 en suite cluster bedrooms and 156 self-contained studio apartments across three blocks.
Amenities include landscaped roof terraces, a gym, group study spaces, a games lounge, a tea point and social area, dedicated podcast and social media rooms, a karaoke room, media room and private dining facilities.
The development will also include 2,000 sqm of commercial space, adding to the area’s dynamic student-friendly environment. Sustainable transport is also key, with cycle spaces provided for residents and visitors, and on-site parking limited to DDA use only.
“This event marks a significant milestone for Watkin Jones and our partners. We are delivering high-quality, sustainable student accommodation in Stratford, a place where more units are desperately needed.
“This development reflects our commitment to excellence, with sustainability placed at the core of its design.
“Stratford is a thriving area for students, and we’re proud to be creating a modern, well-connected residence that will enhance their university experience and enrich the local area.”
Gwyn Pritchard, Managing Director – Construction, Watkin Jones
The scheme is ideally located for students studying at some of London’s leading universities, with easy access to UCL East, London College of Fashion, Birkbeck, and the University of East London’s Stratford campus.
Stratford Station offers excellent transport links to central London and the East of England, while Westfield Stratford City provides visitors with a wide range of shops, bars & restaurants, and entertainment.
Watkin Jones is committed to sustainability, with the Grove Crescent Road development targeting a minimum BREEAM Excellent rating. This standard ensures enhanced energy efficiency and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, supporting a more sustainable future.
The Stratford development will feature an all-electric heating system, eliminating gas usage entirely, alongside an engineered facade with reduced air permeability to minimise heat loss. Designed to meet the latest building regulations, the PBSA scheme will be optimally insulated and incredibly efficient.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Watkin Jones to deliver this landmark scheme. The topping out represents another key milestone for the scheme and our partnership as we progress towards successful completion and providing students with much-needed high quality accommodation in Stratford.”
Colin Bennett, Investment Director, HGP
