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 advises syndicate of Taiwanese banks on funding of New South Wales warehouse project

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised KGI Bank Co., Ltd, Taishin International Bank Co., Ltd and O-Bank Limited on the above A$100 million funding of the construction of a warehouse and distribution facility in Sydney’s western suburbs.

Pinsent Masons advises Techem on the sale of its company for €6.7bn

Pinsent Masons has advised Techem Group on its acquisition from investors TPG and GIC for a total consideration of €6.7bn.

Pinsent Masons continues to expand its international arbitration team with key construction disputes hire.

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired construction disputes specialist Edward Shaw in London.

People who viewed this press release also viewed

Show me all press releases

Pinsent Masons announces FY23/24 results

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has unveiled its 2023/24 year end results, announcing a 7.2% revenue increase to £649.6m as it continues to develop its cross border, sector-led capabilities prioritising investment into its people, client service and communities.

Pinsent Masons promotes 22 to its partnership

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has boosted its global professional services capabilities with the promotion of 22 new partners.

Pinsent Masons appoints partner Jon Blackburn

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has hired Corporate Real Estate/M&A partner Jon Blackburn to join its Real Estate sector team in the firm’s London office.

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.