UNIVERSITY ADVISORY
We provide universities with commercial advice and support on strategy, demand, transactions, development and operations. We are unique in the UK market for the depth of our knowledge of student housing. SFG has been involved with closing over 50 university partnership and direct-let PBSA projects. Our experience comes from four perspectives: university, partner, and advisor to each. Through this experience, SFG bring an innovative, empathetic approach to our advice to universities.
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 and Political Science
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.
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.
.jpg)