Watkin Jones Tops Out New 335-Bed Student Accommodation in Bath

Key highlights: 

– Watkin Jones, a developer and manager of rental residences, has topped out at The Brook – a new PBSA scheme in Bath, UK.

– The topping-out ceremony on November 30 marked the completion of the concrete framework for the 2-building development.

– Funded by EQT Exeter, The Brook will deliver 335 beds (215 cluster flats and 120 studios) plus amenity spaces.

– It will open for the 2024 academic year to help address undersupply and set a new standard for students living in Bath.

– The sustainably designed development targets a BREEAM Excellent rating, featuring PV cells, biodiversity plantings, and 170 secure cycle parking spaces. 

– Ideally, within a 15-minute walk to the city centre, The Brook advances Watkin Jones’ strong track record of providing quality student housing in Bath.

– EQT Exeter and Watkin Jones celebrated the topping out as a milestone in mobilizing the buildings for student occupation.

News in details: 

BATH, UK – Watkin Jones, a leading developer and manager of rental residences, celebrated a construction milestone last week, topping out at The Brook, a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bath, UK. 

The topping-out ceremony on November 30 marked the completion of the concrete framework for the two-building development, which EQT Exeter funds.

By the Numbers:

– 335 student beds in total

– 215 cluster flats

– 120 studios

– 335 sq meters of indoor & outdoor amenity space

– Courtyard and gardens

– 170 secure cycle parking spaces 

Scheduled for completion in time for the 2024/2025 academic year, The Brook will help address the undersupply of quality student housing in Bath. The prime location sits less than a 15-minute walk from the university and historic city centre.

“We are proud to have arrived at this milestone today in topping out and celebrating the work the Watkin Jones team and our partners have achieved,” said Richard Harris, Managing Director of Group Delivery at Watkin Jones. “Bath continues to be a destination of choice for domestic and international students to live in, and this scheme will help alleviate some of the ongoing housing shortage.”

Sustainability Focus

The Brook incorporates several sustainable building design elements, including:

– Targeting BREEAM Excellent certification

– Solar PV cells on the roof 

– Biodiversity plantings throughout

– New trees planted on frontage

Russell Petrie, Head of Student Housing – Europe at EQT Exeter, added, “We are excited by the progress at this project in achieving this key milestone as we start mobilizing the building for student occupation.”

The topping out marks a proud moment for Watkin Jones, which now mobilizes The Brook buildings to set a new standard for student accommodation in Bath.