Landmark 397-bed site at Grove Crescent Road significantly increases student accommodation in East London

Highlights:

• Grove Crescent Road will introduce 397 much-needed student units to Stratford, East London
• Across three blocks, there will be 241 cluster apartments and 156 studio apartments, as well as 2,000 sqm of commercial space
• Watkin Jones will deliver the project through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (‘HGP’)
• The scheme is ideally located for students studying at some of London’s leading universities

Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent, is pleased to announce it has recently topped out on a 397-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (‘PBSA’) development at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London.

Funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (‘HGP’), the Lloyds Banking Group and Homes England-backed equity investor focused on the UK Living sector, Grove Crescent Road will offer 241 en suite cluster bedrooms and 156 self-contained studio apartments across three blocks. Residents will be able to enjoy numerous amenities across the three blocks including landscaped roof terraces, a gym, group study spaces, a games lounge, a tea point & social area, dedicated podcast and social media rooms, a karaoke room, a media room and private dining facilities.

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. The development will also include 2,000 sqm of commercial space, adding to the area’s dynamic student-friendly environment.

Watkin Jones is committed to sustainability, with the Grove Crescent Road development targeting a minimum BREEAM “Excellent” rating. This high standard ensures enhanced energy efficiency and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, supporting a more sustainable future. The 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, it will be optimally insulated and incredibly efficient. Sustainable transport is key, with cycle spaces provided for residents and visitors, with on-site parking limited to DDA use only.

Gwyn Pritchard, Managing Director – Construction, Watkin Jones, said: “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.”

Colin Bennett, Investment Director at HGP commented: “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.”