STUDENT FIRST PROJECTS
“We appointed SFG based on their deep experience in the sector working for commercial developer / operators, universities and consultants. Their commitment to keeping student experience at the heart of the transaction and understanding of key current issues such as student wellbeing and affordability resonated with all we are trying to achieve on this project at the University.”
- Richard Halsall
Queen Mary, University of London
UNIVERSITY ADVISORY
University of Chichester
Chichester, UK
Appointed as advisor to the University of Chichester to assist in the development of its student accommodation strategy.
Subsequently appointed as lead advisor for a DBFO project involving the development of over 400 new bedrooms and stock transfer and refurbishment of around 550 existing bedrooms at the University’s Bognor Regis and Bishop Otter campuses.
The new developments will be on land the University already owns. The project will provide the successful bidder with an opportunity to acquire an interest in all of the University’s on-campus stock. Following the conclusion of a successful competitive dialogue process a preferred bidder has now been appointed. Subject to planning, the target is to have the first accommodation available in September 2025.
Queen Mary, University of London
London, UK
Lead adviser to the University for its procurement process to select a partner for the development of c.1,000 beds under a DBFO (design, build, fund, operate) contract model. The project is likely to come to market in 2021
Developing on University owned land at Whitechapel and Mile End, the project will deliver accommodation and ancillary space for undergraduate and postgraduate students and will provide 35% of the bed-spaces to meet the affordability criteria of the London Plan. The target is to have some accommodation available for September 2025.
London School of Economics
London, UK
Technical and demand adviser to LSE for its procurement process to select a partner for the development of 676 beds under a modified DBFO contract model.
The project reached financial close in December 2021 with DIF and the University as the equity holders and Engie as the developer. The project involved working with the developer who had obtained planning to construct a structure where the LSE could acquire the site and immediately lease it to the project company to undertake the development work and operate the facility with a reversionary interest back to the University.
SFG has been retained to advise LSE on aspects of the project during the construction phase.
Kingston Student Living
Kingston, UK
Acted as a advisor and supported KSL in the area of student experience, with the creation of a programme and recruitment of a Residence Life Manager. Supporting this role throughout 2020 - 2021 with guidance on enhancing the programme and maintaining a positive partnerships with Kingston University.
We are reviewing the current policy and procedures to ensure they meet ANUK and UKK codes of practice.
Staffordshire University
Staffordshire, UK
Robert has been advising Staffordshire University since 2010, initially on its consolidation into the Stoke-on-Trent campus and the estate strategy that followed.
Recently Robert and David have been advising on residential strategy and demand, and SFG is currently appointed as lead adviser on the new Student Village project.
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The University intends to replace existing stock
through new build plus a refurbishment of Clarice Cliff Court, to create a highly sustainable residential estate of c. 1,000 beds in total.
OPERATOR ADVISORY
Southern Housing, UK
Between September 2020 - April 2023 performed as the Residence Life Coordinator across all student and Key Worker accommodation sites in the UK.
Supporting the teams in the creation, organisation and execution of their programmes. Tracking data and feedback to use and adapt the student experience accordingly.
Equitix / Engie
Birmingham, UK
Student experience and SLA advice to the successful Equitix / Engie bid for the University of Birmingham Pritchatts Park project.
Pritchatts Park is an existing accommodation development well located for the university campus. The project involves the construction of 496
new highly energy efficient student
DEVELOPER ADVISORY
Rooms in the form of townhouses and a 482-space multi-storey car park. In addition, the 734 existing rooms that are transferring to the consortium will be refurbished.
The new build and refurbishment work will be delivered by September 2024. The rooms and amenity spaces have benefitted from extensive design input from students and the student experience was important to the University across all aspects of the project
Lone Star Funds, UK
SFG undertook a strategic review of assets as part of a portfolio acquired for an affiliate of Lone Star Funds. This review comprised commercial advice on the strength of location, rents, potential for refurbishment and rental uplift, competitor analysis, student demographics and strategy for university agreements within the portfolio.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
University of York
York, UK
SFG introduced the opportunity to purchase a 50% stake in a joint venture with the University of York to Foresight who acquire on behalf of clients. The assets acquired (Goodricke College and Langwith College) total 1,239 beds and have been operational for around 10 years. Following on from our introduction of the opportunity, SFG was asked to coordinate the due diligence for the acquisition and we have now been appointed under a Management Services Agreement to provide an asset management role for Foresight and their clients.
Ou services include financial management, reporting and budgeting and oversight of the hard and soft FM and lifecycle services delivered by the providers along with management of the project SPVs and associated reporting and filing.
