Education Estates: London Octopus funds purchase of land for 484-bed student accommodation May 1st, 2024 David Gilbank Octopus Real Estate, part of Octopus Investments and a leading UK specialistreal estate investor and lender, has provided a commercial loan tocomplete the purchase of a site located in Deptford, London. The site hasdetailed planning consent for the development of a 484-bed studentaccommodation scheme, alongside 42 affordable residential apartments. The loan has been provided to Fosfel Apollo Limited, a joint venture betweenprivate investors including Melrose Capital and Hurlington Capital, a propertyinvestment and development company focused on the delivery of residential andmixed-use schemes across London and the South East. The development willcomprise 248 private rooms, 81 affordable rooms and 155 studio apartments. 30of the affordable rooms will be classified as affordable rent, with 12 sharedownership apartments. Permission has also been granted for 17,940 sqft ofretail and light industrial space across the ground and first floors. The borrower has appointed Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, a well-regarded andaward-winning London Architect, to design the development. The scheme islocated within 15-minute walk of both Surrey Quays and South Bermondsey trainstations, and residents will be within a 20-minute journey to London Bridge. James Nunn, Octopus Real Estate, said: “Demandfor student housing continues to far outstrip supply, particularly in Londonwhere close to 70% of students in the capital are unable to accesspurpose-built accommodation. At Octopus Real Estate we’re pleased to be playingour part in helping meet this demand, by providing tailored and specialistfunding for transitional assets.” Jamie Feldman, CEO of Hurlington Capital, said: “We’redelighted to have worked with Octopus Real Estate on this transaction. There isan acute need for purpose-built student accommodation in London, and we’reexcited to deliver this project, which will provide hundreds of students withhousing in an up-and-coming and well-located area.”