Downing wins Developer of the Year at National Property Awards
Downing Group has been recognised as Developer of the Year by the prestigious Property Week Awards, in recognition of the company’s outstanding performance in the UK market over the last 12 months.
The Property Week Student Accommodation Awards are the UK’s leading property awards and recognise best practice in the student accommodation development sector.
Downing Group is one of the most mature developers and investors in the UK student accommodation market. The pioneering business was recognised for its strategic use of optimal locations, design-led accommodation, and excellent financial performance.
The company has experienced an exceptional period of growth, with the launch of five outstanding new student developments across London, Coventry, and Glasgow.
Earlier this year, Downing Group was also the first Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) provider to participate in the Government’s Affordable Student Housing Plan, which improves access to higher education for students all over the country regardless of their background.
With a portfolio of almost £1.5 billion, Downing Group has successfully developed almost 15,000 student bedrooms across the UK. In London, the delivery of 1,075 new student bedrooms has boosted Downing’s portfolio growth in the capital to a significant 6,000 beds.
While an active development pipeline will see a further 974 bedrooms brought forward in the capital during a period where student accommodation construction is shrinking in London.
Earlier this year, the developer secured a £214.6 million funding facility with club deal from NatWest, HSBC and Barclays. Downing Group also has nomination agreements in place with the most prestigious universities in the UK, including Kings College, Imperial College, Warwick University and the University of Edinburgh.
Paul Houghton, Development Director at Downing Group, said: “We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award. It’s extremely satisfying to see the hard work of our outstanding teams recognised following an extremely strong period of sustained growth for the business.
“Downing Group is proud to be a pioneer of design-led, sustainable buildings that enhance the locations in which they are based. Our years of experience and unique approach has allowed us to maximise value, quality and use of space to create the best possible outcomes, keeping students at the heart of our strategy.
“We work closely with leading UK universities, such as Kings College, to ensure our projects provide a sense of place and community within their urban context.”
Downing Students was also nominated for Private Halls of Residence of the Year, with its London-based student accommodation, Atlas, shortlisted for its outstanding facilities and design.
Atlas, home to students of King’s College London, is situated in the heart of Zone 1, Vauxhall, Lambeth. Residents of Atlas have access to an in-house media room, a rooftop terrace, a games room and a 31st floor roof garden overlooking London’s skyline. The building also boasts a gym and a 25 metre swimming pool located within the same building.
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