Watkin Jones and Housing Growth Partnership unveil Venti House, a £120 million purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Stratford featuring 397 sustainable, high-spec units and extensive amenities, set to open for the 2026/27 academic year amid a growing need for quality student homes in London.
Watkin Jones has unveiled the branding for its new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme, Venti House, located in Stratford, East London. Formerly known as Grove Crescent, this development marks a significant addition to the capital’s student housing sector, particularly at a time when demand for high-quality PBSA is increasing amid a reduction in new supply. Set to open for the 2026/27 academic year, Venti House features 397 student units, including high-spec studios and cluster flats, alongside amenity spaces dedicated to studying, wellbeing, and community engagement.
The scheme benefits from a prime location with excellent connectivity, most notably via the Elizabeth Line, providing swift access to London’s prominent universities such as UCL East, London College of Fashion, Birkbeck, and the University of East London’s Stratford campus. This positioning ensures that Venti House will play an essential role in addressing the ongoing shortage of student accommodation spaces in one of London’s key PBSA markets.
Watkin Jones, in partnership with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), is delivering this project through a £120 million joint venture, with HGP contributing 75% of the equity and Watkin Jones 25%. The project is situated on a one-acre brownfield site and includes approximately 2,000 square metres of commercial space. The funding and collaborative approach signal a strategic investment in Stratford’s growing status as a student hub.
The development’s design and branding were entrusted to Fresh, a team with extensive experience in student marketing. Their creative direction fuses Victorian, industrial, Oriental, and modern design influences, weaving British heritage and contemporary culture to create a distinctive, premium living environment tailored to resonate with international students and those discovering life in London for the first time.
In terms of sustainability, Venti House is designed to meet ‘BREEAM Excellent’ standards, underpinning a strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Notably, the building features an all-electric heating system, eschewing gas entirely, and incorporates an engineered façade with reduced air permeability to minimise heat loss. It complies fully with the latest building regulations for insulation and energy efficiency, reflecting Watkin Jones’ market-leading approach to sustainable development.
The project promotes a car-free lifestyle, encouraging sustainable transport alternatives such as walking and cycling, supported by dedicated cycle parking for residents and visitors. Furthermore, Venti House integrates new outdoor spaces and wildlife-friendly landscaping aimed at enhancing the local environment and community wellbeing. Watkin Jones and HGP have also committed to engaging with local youth groups through initiatives such as roof garden plantings, guided site tours, and educational programmes centred on sustainability and modern housing concepts.
Amenities within the development underscore a student-centred approach, with landscaped roof terraces, a gym, group study areas, and various social spaces including a games lounge, karaoke room, media room, podcast and social media rooms, and private dining facilities. These features are designed to foster community and enhance the overall student experience.
George Dyer, Group Investment Director at Watkin Jones, emphasised the company’s enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Venti House reflects our commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed, experience-led PBSA in key UK markets. The brand and interiors draw on London’s rich history and diverse culture to offer students something that feels both premium and personal. With construction well progressed, we’re excited to see Venti House launch next year and offer a great home for students studying in Stratford.” He also highlighted the project’s strong ESG credentials and its role in meeting the acute demand for quality student homes in London.
The topping out of the development, which occurred earlier this year, signifies a key milestone as the construction advances towards completion. The three-block scheme combines 241 en suite cluster bedrooms with 156 self-contained studio apartments, reflecting a flexible housing mix to meet diverse student needs.
Stratford’s appeal as an educational and commercial district is further enhanced by the proximity of major transport links, including Stratford Station, offering direct connections to central London and the East of England, and Westfield Stratford City, a large shopping and entertainment complex. The inclusion of commercial spaces within the development also contributes to the dynamic, student-friendly environment.
Venti House joins a growing portfolio of Watkin Jones developments in Stratford, complementing earlier projects such as Eleanor Rosa House (formerly Duncan House), which provides over 500 student bedrooms and additional residential apartments, reinforcing the company’s presence and expertise in the area.
Overall, Venti House represents a comprehensive approach to student accommodation, combining thoughtful branding, extensive amenities, sustainability, and a strong focus on community engagement. It exemplifies Watkin Jones’ strategic vision for PBSA developments that go beyond mere housing to deliver enriched living experiences aligned with modern student expectations and environmental responsibilities.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://pbsanews.co.uk/2025/07/15/watkin-jones-launches-venti-house-pbsa-scheme/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://watkinjonesplc.com/news-insights/2024/watkin-jones-plc-and-housing-group-partnership-form-joint-venture-to-deliver-120-million-397-bed-pbsa-development-in-stratford/ – In July 2024, Watkin Jones plc and Housing Growth Partnership (HGP) announced a joint venture to develop a £120 million, 397-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Stratford, East London. The development, located on a one-acre brownfield site on Grove Crescent, will also include approximately 2,000 square metres of commercial space. The project is strategically positioned to serve the nearly 14,000 students at UCL East and UAL’s London College of Fashion campuses in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as well as nearby institutions like Birkbeck College and the University of East London’s Stratford campus. HGP is investing 75% of the equity, with Watkin Jones contributing 25%. The scheme is expected to be completed in time for the 2026/27 academic year, addressing the persistent shortage of student housing in the area. The development aims to achieve a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ rating, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Additionally, it will feature new outdoor spaces, amenities, and enhancements to the public realm, including wildlife-friendly landscaping and greenery to improve the local environment. The project promotes a car-free lifestyle, encouraging sustainable transportation options such as cycling and walking. Watkin Jones and HGP plan to collaborate with local youth groups through various initiatives, including roof garden plantings, guided site tours, and educational programmes focused on sustainability and modern housing concepts. George Dyer, Group Investment Director at Watkin Jones, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, ‘We are delighted to partner with HGP on this joint venture, which will allow us to deliver secured returns in line with group targets whilst also offering the opportunity for outperformance from the recovery of the London PBSA market. The project will provide much-needed supply into Stratford, a key student location within London, delivering high-quality accommodation with strong ESG credentials.’
- https://watkinjonesplc.com/news-insights/2025/watkin-jones-tops-out-pbsa-development-at-stratford/ – In February 2025, Watkin Jones plc announced the topping out of its 397-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London. Funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), the development comprises 241 en suite cluster bedrooms and 156 self-contained studio apartments across three blocks. The project offers a 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. Strategically located, the scheme provides easy access to several leading universities, including UCL East, London College of Fashion, Birkbeck, and the University of East London’s Stratford campus. Stratford Station offers excellent transport links to central London and the East of England, while Westfield Stratford City provides a wide range of shops, bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. The development also includes 2,000 square metres of commercial space, contributing to the area’s dynamic student-friendly environment. Committed to sustainability, Watkin Jones has designed the development to achieve a minimum BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, ensuring enhanced energy efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The building features an all-electric heating system, eliminating gas usage, and an engineered facade with reduced air permeability to minimise heat loss. Designed to meet the latest building regulations, it is optimally insulated and highly efficient. Sustainable transport is a key focus, with cycle spaces provided for residents and visitors, and on-site parking limited to DDA use only. Gwyn Pritchard, Managing Director – Construction at Watkin Jones, commented, ‘This event marks a significant milestone for Watkin Jones and our partners. We are delivering high-quality, sustainable student accommodation in Stratford, a place where more units are desperately needed. This development reflects our commitment to excellence, with sustainability placed at the core of its design.’
- https://www.construction.co.uk/construction-news/316250/watkin-jones-reaches-significant-milestone-on-student-accommodation-development – In February 2025, Watkin Jones plc reached a significant milestone with the topping out of its 397-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London. The project, funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), comprises 241 en suite cluster bedrooms and 156 self-contained studio apartments across three blocks. Designed with student life in mind, the development offers a range of high-quality amenities, including landscaped roof terraces, a gym, group study spaces, a games lounge, a karaoke room, a media room, a tea point and social area, dedicated podcast and social media rooms, and private dining facilities. Located in close proximity to several prestigious London universities, including UCL East, London College of Fashion, Birkbeck, and the University of East London’s Stratford campus, the development offers excellent transport links. Stratford Station provides direct connections to central London and the East of England, while Westfield Stratford City, just a short distance away, offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. The development will also include 2,000 square metres of commercial space, contributing to the area’s growing student-friendly environment. Sustainability is a key focus of the Grove Crescent Road development, which is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for energy efficiency and environmental performance. The development will feature an all-electric heating system, eliminating the use of gas, and an engineered facade designed to minimise heat loss. It will also meet the latest building regulations for insulation and energy efficiency. To encourage sustainable transport, the development will include dedicated cycle spaces for residents and visitors, while on-site parking will be limited to DDA use only.
- https://benews.co.uk/watkin-jones-and-hgp-form-jv-to-deliver-120m-pbsa-scheme/ – In July 2024, Watkin Jones plc and Housing Growth Partnership (HGP) announced a joint venture to develop a £120 million, 397-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Stratford, East London. The development, located on a one-acre brownfield site on Grove Crescent, will also include approximately 2,000 square metres of commercial space. The project is strategically positioned to serve the nearly 14,000 students at UCL East and UAL’s London College of Fashion campuses in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as well as nearby institutions like Birkbeck College and the University of East London’s Stratford campus. HGP is investing 75% of the equity, with Watkin Jones contributing 25%. The scheme is expected to be completed in time for the 2026/27 academic year, addressing the persistent shortage of student housing in the area. The development aims to achieve a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ rating, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Additionally, it will feature new outdoor spaces, amenities, and enhancements to the public realm, including wildlife-friendly landscaping and greenery to improve the local environment. The project promotes a car-free lifestyle, encouraging sustainable transportation options such as cycling and walking. Watkin Jones and HGP plan to collaborate with local youth groups through various initiatives, including roof garden plantings, guided site tours, and educational programmes focused on sustainability and modern housing concepts. George Dyer, Group Investment Director at Watkin Jones, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, ‘We are delighted to partner with HGP on this joint venture, which will allow us to deliver secured returns in line with group targets whilst also offering the opportunity for outperformance from the recovery of the London PBSA market. The project will provide much-needed supply into Stratford, a key student location within London, delivering high-quality accommodation with strong ESG credentials.’
- https://hodderandpartners.com/duncan-house-completion/ – In October 2019, Hodder + Partners announced the completion of Duncan House, a mixed-use development for Watkin Jones in Stratford, London. The project comprises 511 student bedrooms for the University of London, now known as Eleanor Rosa House, and 45 residential apartments in Atelier Point, including 22 affordable units. The development also features affordable commercial space and educational accommodation, distributed between a 31-storey tower and a podium base. The design addresses privacy concerns by arranging functions to avoid overlooking, creating a central private courtyard for natural light and ventilation. The podium block defines the street edge and responds to surrounding lower-rise buildings, while the tower serves as a landmark at the gateway to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The composition engages with its context, both near and far, affording an elegant silhouette against the sky.
- https://www.construction.co.uk/construction-news/316910/watkin-jones-tops-out-on-397-bed-student-accommodation-development – In March 2025, Watkin Jones plc announced the topping out of its 397-bed Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development at Grove Crescent Road in Stratford, East London. Funded through a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), the development comprises 241 en suite cluster bedrooms and 156 self-contained studio apartments across three blocks. The project offers a 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
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was first published on 15 July 2025. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 29 July 2024, when Watkin Jones and Housing Growth Partnership announced a joint venture for a £120 million, 397-bed PBSA development in Stratford. ([watkinjonesplc.com](https://watkinjonesplc.com/news-insights/2024/watkin-jones-plc-and-housing-group-partnership-form-joint-venture-to-deliver-120-million-397-bed-pbsa-development-in-stratford/?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative has been republished across various outlets, including pbsanews.co.uk, which may indicate a press release origin. Press releases typically warrant a high freshness score due to their timely dissemination. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote from George Dyer, Group Investment Director at Watkin Jones, stating, “Venti House reflects our commitment to delivering thoughtfully designed, experience-led PBSA in key UK markets,” appears to be original and exclusive to this report. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, and no variations in wording were noted.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from pbsanews.co.uk, a news outlet that appears to be a single-source platform. This raises questions about the reliability and verification of the information presented. The report mentions Watkin Jones and Housing Growth Partnership, both of which are reputable organisations. However, the lack of independent verification from other reputable sources diminishes the overall reliability score.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims regarding the development of Venti House, including its location, scale, and features, are plausible and align with known information about Watkin Jones’ activities. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which raises concerns about its credibility. The tone and language used are consistent with typical corporate communications, and there are no signs of excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents plausible information about the Venti House PBSA scheme, with an original quote from George Dyer. However, the reliance on a single-source outlet and the recycling of older material without independent verification from other reputable sources raise concerns about its freshness and reliability. Further verification from additional reputable sources is recommended to confirm the details presented.
