Re: Acquisition and planning application

RNS Number : 9856W

Grainger PLC

04 February 2013

 



4 February 2013

Grainger plc ("Grainger"/ the "Company")

GRAINGER ACQUIRES BUILD TO RENT SCHEME IN BARKING FROM BOUYGUES DEVELOPMENT

AND SUBMITS PLANNING APPLICATION FOR ALDERSHOT GARRISON REDEVELOPMENT

Grainger plc, the UK's largest quoted residential property owner and manager, today announces the acquisition of its first build to rent scheme, through its agreement to purchase the residential element, comprising 100 units, of a major regeneration scheme in Barking town centre being developed and carried out by Bouygues Development. Grainger will pay a total consideration of £13.7 million, with an initial deposit and the balance of the payment due on practical completion in 2015.

This purchase is in line with Grainger's recently stated strategy that it will seek to take advantage of opportunities in the growing UK private rented sector (PRS), and aim to play a significant role in creating a viable Build-To-Rent in the UK. Grainger will retain and let the residential units, as opposed to selling them on to private individuals, and will take responsibility for the asset and property management. The development has been designed by Chetwoods Architects with Assael Architecture advising on the internal layout of the residential units and common parts to ensure the 100 units adhere to the PRS concept.

Separately, Grainger also announces that, as development partner for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the HCA, it has submitted a major planning application to Rushmoor Borough Council for the 255 hectare former Aldershot Garrison site, known as Wellesley or the Aldershot Urban Extension (AUE).  

The outline planning application will pave the way for up to 3,850 new homes, of which 35% will be affordable homes, two new primary schools, around 110 hectares of new green space, sports and community facilities and the refurbishment of six listed buildings, including the Cambridge Military Hospital. The development is due to start in 2014 with the first phase of 228 homes. It is likely that the development will take 15 years to complete.

Grainger and the Council have agreed a six month period to consider the planning application, and a report should be going to the Development Control Committee by the end of June 2013.

Nick Jopling, Executive Director for Property at Grainger commented on the Build to Rent acquisition:

"Our acquisition of this Build To Rent block from Bouygues is a significant milestone for the private rented sector, putting into place a new template for the creation of purpose built high quality and professionally managed rental accommodation. This is a sector that desperately needs to grow in order to meet the demands of the UK population and is supported at the highest levels of Government, and we believe that this style of residential development has huge potential to grow in the coming years."

John Beresford, lead Development Director for the AUE scheme at Grainger, said:

"We are pleased to submit this major planning application which, if approved, will help revitalise and improve Aldershot as a whole. By working closely with the community, the Council, the MoD, HCA and other stakeholders, we believe our proposal will bring long-term economic benefits to the wider Aldershot community, while providing much-needed, good quality new homes, new schools and fantastic green open spaces and amenities."

- ENDS -

For further information:

Grainger plc	FTI Consulting
Kurt Mueller	Stephanie Highett/Dido Laurimore/Will Henderson
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]	Tel: [phone]

Grainger plc - company background information

Grainger plc is the UK's largest listed residential property owner and manager, with c £3.0bn of residential assets under management across the UK and Germany. Grainger generates income through:

·      Sales of properties when they achieve optimum valuations

·      Rent from its portfolio of tenanted properties

·      Fees for the management of residential properties and the provision of its expert services to select third party clients.

Additionally, Grainger is a leading provider of equity release products through its award-winning subsidiary brand, Bridgewater Equity Release.

Grainger was established in 1912 in Newcastle upon Tyne, where it remains headquartered. It has eight offices across the UK and Germany. Grainger is a constituent of the FTSE 250 on the London Stock Exchange and the FTSE4Good index. In 2012, Grainger was awarded the UK's Residential Asset Manager of the Year at the RESI Awards and Best Property Company - Residential at the Estates Gazette Awards.

 

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