The 30 bedroom student accommodation block, situated on East Road, opposite Anglia Ruskin University, was acquired off-market by Howard Group in October 2018 after an opportunistic approach to the then owner. A pre-let agreement was simultaneously signed with Cambridge Education Group (CEG) – a long term client of Howard Group and current occupier of multiple Howard Group properties – to occupy the building post-refurbishment. CEG specialises in delivering the highest quality academic, creative and English Language programmes and preparing thousands of students to progress on to the world’s leading universities. In addition to its multiple academic centres in the UK, CEG also operates across North America, Europe and China.
To ensure CEG students would be able to move in to Batim House prior to the start of term, a tightly managed, rapid refurbishment programme was put in place. Delivered by CPMS, the three month programme included extensive internal refurbishment works, transforming the once-tired, outdated building into high quality, contemporary student accommodation.
The refurbishment was delivered on budget and ahead of schedule, in good time for the students to move in.
Will Banks, Development Manager, Howard Group commented: “Working closely with existing occupiers to understand their requirements and deliver solutions is a fundamental part of what we do. Our strong relationship with CEG allowed us to identify Batim House as future accommodation for them and ultimately deliver the refurbishment in a timely manner to the benefit of all - an entrepreneurial deal, resulting in a secure long-term investment in an excellent location with an existing client.”
David Johnston, Chief Operating Officer, Cambridge Education Group added: “We are delighted to be able to offer our students a great new refurbished building in such a prime location. The CEG team working on the project appreciated the level of close collaboration with Howard Group and the CPMS team onsite from the outset and truly value all efforts made to deliver prior to the start of term.”
For further information about Howard Group please visit: www.howard-ventures.com