Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent homes, with a focus on the build to rent (BtR), co-living and student accommodation (PBSA) sectors, has announced submission of planning applications for its first PBSA scheme in Guildford, as well as submission for a PBSA scheme in Swansea.

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Alex Pease, Chief Investment Officer of Watkin Jones, said: “There is real need for sustainable and high-quality accommodation in both Guildford and Swansea that will offer students a fantastic experience, while freeing up family homes for local people. We are also excited to include flexible commercial space in our proposal for Guildford to meet the growing need for adaptable workplaces that can foster enterprise and agile companies.

“Institutional and resident interest in UK purpose-built student accommodation remains at record levels. Institutions are actively seeking the highest-quality and most sustainable rental assets that will deliver strong long-term returns. And after the experience of COVID-19, students and their families want a professionally managed living experience with excellent support on-site.”

The £60m GDV scheme in Guildford is supported by the University of Surrey and would offer a superb lifestyle for up to 366 students in 105 studios and 261 en suite rooms with communal kitchens. The site, on Walnut Tree Close, is currently a dated office block and is located a convenient 10-minute walk from the main campus of the University of Surrey, as well as Guildford rail station.

A formal consultation is underway on the plans, which include over 684 sq metres of flexible commercial space on the ground floor of the development. This is expected to be used as an incubator for new businesses, or for flexible working, offering new employment opportunities in the city.

The £35m GDV scheme in Swansea, Ty Nant, previously housed the Valuation Office Agency and is situated next to Swansea railway station in the city centre. This is Watkin Jones’ second PBSA scheme in the city, following the successful delivery of the nearby 967-bed St David’s scheme.

Both buildings are planned to feature extensive water, carbon and energy saving sustainability features and are targeting a BREEAM “excellent” rating for the student space.

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