Multimillion-pound funding deal for student accommodation blocks
NatWest, HSBC UK and Barclays have today revealed details of a £214.6m deal for Liverpool-based Downing Group, with the privately-owned real estate investment, development and management firm set to develop three student housing schemes in Manchester, Coventry and London.
The deal, which represents 65% of the total development costs, will go towards the construction of 2,201 beds across the three cities and will add to Downing Group’s already-extensive presence in the market.
Downing Group has landmark schemes under management in the UK’s most prestigious student cities.
The company has a portfolio of more than £1.1bn and has developed in excess of 12,000 student bedrooms across the UK.
It has nomination agreements in place with leading UK universities including King’s College London, the University of Leeds, and the University of Warwick.
Simon Garnett, financial director of Downing Group, said: “This agreement offers a tangible indication of the level of confidence our portfolio inspires and will support the group as we transition into our next phase of growth.
“Demand for high-quality student accommodation remains high and Downing Group continues to go from strength to strength, building on our market-leading portfolio, outstanding reputation, and strong presence across the UK’s leading cities.”
NatWest’s Hugh MacDonald, director, real estate finance, said: “Student accommodation remains a hugely attractive sector.
“The UK continues to house some of the best universities in the world, consistently attracting both domestic and international students. The demand for high-quality accommodation is a constant and we’re delighted to be working with Downing Group to help satisfy the need.
“Coventry, Manchester and London are all fantastic cities and we’re proud to be able to help facilitate the development of premium accommodation for the student population,” he said.
The developments, which will be at River Street in Manchester, Belgrade Plaza in Coventry and Miles Street in London, are all under construction currently with proposed completion dates of July 2020, August 2019, and July 2021, respectively.
Kevin Dawson, HSBC UK’s relationship director for housing, said: “We’ve worked with Downing Group since 2009 and seen it grow from two to three schemes per year to an enviable six to eight over that period.
“These three developments will make fine additions to Downing’s already diverse portfolio and we look forward to supporting the group as it continues to significantly scale up its presence in the UK.”
Ross Mackay, director, Barclays Real Estate Finance, said: “It’s great to expand our relationship with Downing Group by supporting them on three excellent schemes which will bring high quality student accommodation to Coventry, Manchester and London.
“We look forward to continuing to work together and helping them create vibrant student communities across the UK.”
