Watkin Jones has reached a significant milestone in its development of a new Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London, with the topping out of the 397-bed project.

Funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), a Lloyds Banking Group and Homes England-backed equity investor focused on the UK Living sector, the Grove Crescent Road development will feature 241 en-suite cluster bedrooms and 156 self-contained studio apartments spread across three blocks.

The development will offer a wide range of amenities designed to enhance student life, including landscaped roof terraces, a gym, group study spaces, a games lounge, a tea point and social area, dedicated podcast and social media rooms, a karaoke room, a media room, and private dining facilities.


Located in a prime area for students, the scheme offers easy access to several top universities, including UCL East, the London College of Fashion, Birkbeck, and the University of East London’s Stratford campus. The development is also well-connected by transport, with Stratford Station providing direct links to central London and the East of England. Additionally, Westfield Stratford City, one of the largest shopping malls in Europe, is just a stone’s throw away, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The development will also provide 2,000 square metres of commercial space, further contributing to the vibrant, student-friendly environment in the area.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, Watkin Jones has designed the Grove Crescent Road development to meet a minimum BREEAM 'Excellent' rating. This will ensure high energy efficiency and a reduced environmental impact. The all-electric heating system will eliminate the use of gas, while an engineered facade with reduced air permeability will minimise heat loss. The building is also optimised for insulation and designed to comply with the latest building regulations, making it incredibly energy-efficient. Sustainable transport options are central to the design, with ample cycle storage provided for residents and visitors, and on-site parking limited to DDA use only.