Investec provides £17.5m to fund Scape development in Bloomsbury

Investec Structured Property Finance has provided purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) provider Scape with a £17.5m senior loan to fund the acquisition and development of its Thanet Street scheme in Bloomsbury, London WC1.

The project will see the refurbishment of the existing property to deliver 60 self-contained studio units.

Amenities will include a large break-out reception area, laundry rooms and outdoor area.

Shane Ryan, at Investec Structured Property Finance, said: “This is a high quality development in a prime London location, which is well placed to further meet the demands of London’s student population.

“Despite short-term uncertainty affecting the sector, the city’s enduring international appeal and challenging planning restrictions continue to underpin favourable supply-demand dynamics.

“We remain steadfast in our conviction that the PBSA sector will continue to be a sought after asset class by both UK and global investors, attracted by its long income characteristics and attractive pricing.

“Having forged an extremely close relationship with Scape, we look forward to working with them on future schemes.”

Scape is one of the largest devlopers and operators of PBSA globally with over 30,000 beds in operation and development across the UK, Australia and the USA.

To date, Investec has provided Scape and it partners with over £150m of senior debt funding, across five schemes.

The development will be within walking distance of several leading universities, including the University of London, Birbeck University and SOAS.

Students will also benefit from the proximity to London King’s Cross and St Pancras International railway stations and tube stations.

Adam Brockley, founder and global chief digital officer at Scape, added: “We are delighted to have completed another deal with Investec and continue to be impressed with the speed with which they can transact in complicated situations.”