Strategic advice in respect of the Universitys Student Accommodation Portfolio
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The Challenge
The University of Leeds wished to adopt a strategy for its student residences that will ensure it provides best value for money and optimises the student experience and competitive positioning of the University.
The Solution
Cushman & Wakefield provided a Residences Strategy in 2014 which sought to balance supply and demand for the University, providing rooms through a portfolio of tenure approaches to ensure best value and robust asset management. This strategy has guided investment in the renewal and upgrade of stock. In connection with which Cushman & Wakefield has advised on a number of specific key investments including:
- Sale of Clarence Dock residence reaching circa £22m
- Acquisition of Central Village Phases 1 and 2 for circa £64m
- Strategy supporting direct investment at St Marks circa £30m
- Sale of Boddington for redevelopment circa £20m.
The Results
The University has achieved considerable improvement in the quality of stock it provides to student and the average proximity to its main campus and Leeds city centre.
This have been achieved whilst maintaining a flexible tenure pattern to respond to demand stocks and protecting the University’s asset base to ensure long term sustainability.
Cushman & Wakefield is continuing to advise on several transactions aimed at further improvement.