Greystar and Brent Council celebrate structural completion of Wembley Student Accommodation Scheme with construction partners McAleer and Rushe

• Canvas Wembley is Greystar’s first development asset in the UK following the brand’s launch in 2021
• Targeting first occupancy from September 2025, new residents will benefit from direct access to central London, proximity to Wembley Stadium and outstanding facilities and calendar of events
• The site is on course to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification, proof of its superior environmental performance

Greystar, a global leader in rental property management, development and investment, celebrated the structural completion of its student accommodation scheme (PBSA) in Wembley with a completion ceremony organized by construction partners McAleer & Rushe and featuring seniors participated. representatives from Brent Council and the Greater London Authority.

The Canvas Wembley site, Greystar’s first PBSA asset under the Canvas brand, will consist of 770 beds and is strategically located close to transport links (four minutes’ walk to Wembley Park tube station), offering direct access to central London and next to the iconic Wembley Stadium. Located within the North East Lands development, the site is part of a 12-acre precinct that will eventually deliver 2,347 residential units of various tenures next to the seven-acre biodiverse Union Park. Wembley Park is now an established neighborhood and an increasingly popular environment for students.

The well-appointed scheme will include two lounges, co-working spaces as well as a cafe, activity space, library, gym, yoga studio and private dining areas. The Canvas brand is all about creating a lifestyle to suit the needs of its residents, and students will be invited to participate in a full annual calendar of events, as well as gain access to the innovative Canvas app, which provides a convenient home for maintenance and parcel services, exclusive offers and promotions. A comprehensive wellness program including events, talks and a student support program will also be available to enrollees in partnership with university stakeholders.

In a significant step towards sustainable financing, Greystar has completed its first UK green loan to acquire the site from Quintain in April 2023. The financing underlines Greystar’s commitment to delivering an environmentally responsible and sustainable building, ensuring – it is said that the project adheres to the highest standards of ESG criteria. The scheme will be fully electric to reduce its carbon footprint, connected to the district heating network to provide efficient heating solutions and equipped with photovoltaic panels on the roof.

Construction Partners, McAleer & Rushe is delivering the scheme as a Whole Life Carbon Assessment project, achieving a LETI A rating for the building structure and is on track to achieve its embodied carbon target of 500 kgc02e/m2 ​​​​(A1-A5) at completion.

Ben Mowbray, Managing Director-UK Student Investment, Greystar, said: “London is a highly attractive market for investment in student accommodation, which faces a shortage of high-quality options despite its status as one of the world’s leading student capitals. This is a significant milestone in the growth of our Canvas brand in the UK and we were delighted to mark the occasion with Brent Council, who have been an important partner in implementing the scheme. Canvas Wembley is set to transform the student accommodation landscape at Wembley Park, offering students a modern and sustainable living environment. which supports both their academic journey and personal growth.“

Mark Allnutt, Chief Executive, Europe, Greystar, said: “We look forward to completing the fit-out of Canvas Wembley and welcoming our first students for the 2025 academic year. The project is part of our wider strategy to grow our UK student accommodation footprint and develop a new offering in a market characterized by acute shortages. We are constantly on the lookout for well-located brownfield sites to develop high-quality, purpose-built accommodation from the ground up.”

Darragh Greenan, Contracts Director, McAleer & Rushe, adds: “We are delighted to deliver this flagship PBSA project for Greystar and to further contribute to the ongoing transformation of Wembley Park. Over the last 8 years we have built a strong and meaningful relationship with the community and we look forward to continuing to work with Brent Council to promote local employment opportunities. NE01 showcases the significant efforts our business is making to reduce embodied carbon by focusing on innovative efficiencies within concrete and maximizing off-site manufacturing. We are on track to exceed our sustainability targets for NE01, underscoring our commitment to delivering our projects safely and sustainably.”

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