Gamuda Land’s Expanding Footprint in the UK: A New Era for Student Accommodation

Major Acquisition in Stratford

In an exciting development for student housing in East London, Gamuda Land has announced the acquisition of a prime site at 14 Marshgate Lane in Stratford. This acquisition marks the company’s first fully self-developed and managed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project in the UK, paving the way for a transformative 321-bed scheme that reflects Gamuda Land’s commitment to independent project delivery.

Strategic Location

The Marshgate Lane development is ideally situated within walking distance of prestigious educational institutions, including UCL East and the London College of Fashion. This proximity positions it as the closest private PBSA to UCL East, setting the stage for a vibrant living environment for students. Additionally, its location near Westfield Stratford—the largest shopping center in London—provides residents with a plethora of retail and leisure options. With Pudding Mill Lane DLR station nearby, the project boasts excellent transport links, making commuting hassle-free for its future occupants. Completion is targeted for the Academic Year 2028/29, signaling a timely influx of new student housing options in a market that requires it.

Establishing Full-Cycle Capability

Gamuda Land’s operations in the UK have evolved dramatically over the past three years. The company has assembled a multi-disciplinary team of professionals adept in planning, design, development management, and commercial delivery. This growing expertise allows Gamuda Land to effectively manage the full lifecycle of projects in the UK. Niall Farmer, Head of Gamuda Land United Kingdom, expressed enthusiasm for this strategic evolution, emphasizing, “This step towards self-sufficiency is a natural evolution for us.” The firm remains open to joint venture partnerships, signaling a collaborative spirit that may enhance future developments.

Rapid Growth in Student Accommodation

With the addition of Marshgate Lane, Gamuda Land’s PBSA portfolio has expanded significantly, now totaling 1,232 beds across London and Glasgow. This includes other notable projects such as:

• Press House, Woolwich (London Zone 4): 419 beds, in partnership with QIP, expected to complete in phases from 2026 to 2027.
• City Wharf, Glasgow: 492 beds, set to wrap up in 2026 through a collaboration with Dandara Living.
• Marshgate Lane, Stratford (London Zone 2/3): 321 beds, fully self-developed, aimed for completion in 2028.

This strategic expansion in student accommodation reflects the urgent need in London, which faces a deficit of over 100,000 student beds. The increasing number of higher education applicants, projected by UCAS to reach up to 1 million by 2030, further underscores the necessity for more student housing in the capital.

Commitment to ESG Practices

In addition to its ambitious growth plans, Gamuda Land is dedicated to aligning its projects with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices. One of the company’s hallmark ventures is the £1.2 billion prime office redevelopment project at 75 London Wall. This project targets BREEAM, WELL, and NABERS certifications, establishing a benchmark for sustainability in commercial property development. With Multiplex slated to be appointed as the main contractor this quarter, discussions with potential tenants are progressing positively.

Expanding beyond student accommodations, Gamuda Land’s portfolio also includes West Hampstead Central, a build-to-sell residential project in North London, showcasing a diversified approach to income-generating assets, capital appreciation, and institutional-grade commercial properties.

Looking Ahead

As Gamuda Land continues its ambitious trajectory in the UK, Farmer emphasizes a commitment to disciplined acquisitions, sustainable design tactics, and strategic partnerships. “With our growing London presence, we see strong opportunities for further growth and collaboration with institutional investors who share our long-term sustainable outlook,” he noted. This future-focused vision positions Gamuda Land as a key player in the evolving landscape of real estate in the UK.

About Gamuda Land: As the property arm of Gamuda Berhad, a regional engineering and infrastructure group based in Malaysia, Gamuda Land boasts over two decades of expertise in township and high-rise development, commercial real estate, and more. Its international footprint continues to grow with successful projects across Malaysia, Vietnam, the UK, Australia, and Singapore, with many accolades highlighting its design and execution excellence.