The Watkin Jones Group PLC has just launched a public consultation on proposals for new high-quality workspace and purpose-built managed student homes on the former Jewson site on Grove Crescent Road and they want to hear from you!

Founded in 1791, today Watkin Jones is the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent homes, with a focus on the build to rent, co-living and student homes sectors. It has designed and built approaching 140 student schemes and provided over 46,000 student homes across the country. Its multi-award-winning operational arm, Fresh, also typically manages its completed residential for rent developments.

The Group has been active in the borough over the past few years, having completed the Eleanor Rosa House development on Stratford High Street in 2019, which delivered 511 student homes for the University of London, 45 residential homes, affordable workspaces, and an education facility.

Over the past few months, it has been working on proposals to redevelop the currently vacant Jewson site on Grove Crescent Road so that it can make a positive contribution to the local area, the street scene, and the neighbouring Grove, while also delivering wider benefits for the local community.

The proposals will deliver 22,000 sq.ft of new workspace aimed at local makers and creative businesses alongside high-quality managed homes for students. This will help to meet the higher education needs of the area and bring increased local spending from the new students while also providing new outdoor and amenity spaces and an improved public realm. The site has also been designed to be car-free, encouraging sustainable modes of travel, such as walking or cycling.