Pinsent Masons advises University of Essex on £113m student accommodation project

19 Aug 2021 | 03:40 pm | 1 min. read

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised the University of Essex on its Meadows Phases 2B/2C design, build, finance and operate project.

The University and partner for the project, ULiving@Essex3 LLP, raised £113m of finance through bonds, wrapped by assured guaranty.

The project will see the design, build, finance and operation of 1,262 new bedrooms, with the accommodation expected to be completed for the start of the 2023/24 academic year. Equity in ULiving@Essex3 LLP was provided by Equitix (80%) and Bouygues (20%).

The team at Pinsent Masons was led by Legal Director Chris Owens included Head of Universities Victoria Goddard, Infrastructure Partner Gillian Frew, Legal Directors Graham Young and Wendy Nicholson, Senior Associate Russell Teale, Associates James McDonald and Natasha Kay.

Owens commented: "We are proud to have supported the University in delivering the third phase of residences with ULiving at the Colchester Campus and our second major student accommodation DBFO project post the outbreak of COVID-19. The timing of the transaction in particular demonstrates the resilience of the student accommodation market and the faith that investors have in the long-term outlook for the sector."

Chris Oldham, Director of Estates & Campus Services of the University of Essex, commented: "We were delighted to be working with Pinsent Masons on this significant student accommodation transaction. Led by Chris Owens, the team at Pinsent Masons provided a tremendous level of expertise and support to the University in guiding us through complex legal and commercial considerations to reach a successful outcome. The team were highly professional, incredibly diligent and a pleasure to work with."

Pinsent Masons has advised a number of universities and private sector partners on student accommodation projects including most recently the Kingston Student Living LLP and the Universities of Brighton, Leicester and York on projects delivering c 5,000 student bedrooms. The firm is currently advising both procuring universities and the private sector on the delivery of c 7,000 student bedrooms.

Latest press releases

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons bolsters mergers and acquisitions expertise with major UK team hire

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has today announced that its corporate bench in Manchester is set to grow with the hire of three leading M&A partners from EY.

Pinsent Masons hires Dan Naylor as new pensions partner in London

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed pensions partner Dan Naylor to join the firm’s finance and projects team in its London office.

Pinsent Masons appoints corporate partner William Reichert to strengthen its Dubai office

International law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed partner William (Bill) Reichert to join the corporate team in the firm’s Dubai office from 1 September.

People who viewed this press release also viewed

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons announces FY24/25 results

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has today unveiled its unaudited financial results for the year ending 30 April 2025. This year's results have delivered a revenue increase of 4.7% after a year of continued growth within the firm’s core sectors and across its jurisdictions.

Pinsent Masons collaborates with Digital Urban Place on smart cities & campuses partnership

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has agreed a collaboration with Digital Urban Place, an award-winning digital twin provider, to work together to provide holistic legal and technology lifecycle services to the real estate and built environment sector.

Pinsent Masons promotes 24 to global partnership

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has today announced its latest round of partner promotions, with 24 set to join its global partnership on 1 May.

For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on

+44 (0)20 7418 8199 or 

Location contacts

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.