Dandara Group’s PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) and Build-to-Rent division, Dandara Living, has entered into a strategic joint venture with Gamuda Land UK to develop City Wharf, a landmark student housing project in Glasgow, Scotland.
This partnership highlights both companies’ commitment to addressing the significant shortage of high-quality student accommodation in one of the UK’s most vibrant and undersupplied student markets.
The City Wharf development will create 492 new student beds, offering a blend of modern studio apartments and cluster rooms tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s students.
Dandara Living will serve as both the developer and contractor for the project, with construction commencing in 2024. The project is expected to be completed in time for the 2026/27 academic year.
In alignment with Glasgow’s climate targets and urban planning policies, the design of City Wharf incorporates a strong focus on sustainability. The building will feature low- and zero-carbon technologies, including air-source heat pumps, and is targeting a BREEAM Very Good sustainability rating.
Strategically located adjacent to the Kingston Bridge at Anderston Quay, the City Wharf PBSA scheme is within walking distance of Glasgow’s central business district, retail centres, and three major universities: the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University.
Jim Davies, CEO of Dandara Living, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Gamuda Land UK on the City Wharf development. Their expertise and vision perfectly align with our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality student accommodation. This project will not only provide much-needed beds but will also contribute to the regeneration of Glasgow’s Clyde waterfront, adding further vibrancy and investment to the area.”
The City Wharf project embodies the shared vision of Dandara and Gamuda Land UK for creating well-designed, sustainable housing solutions while supporting the long-term growth of Glasgow’s educational sector.
With over 88,000 full-time students, Glasgow faces a significant shortage of student accommodation, with a reported deficit of 22,000 beds. Through this collaboration, Dandara and Gamuda Land UK aim to help bridge this gap and set new standards for student living in the city.
Chu Wai Lune, CEO of Gamuda Land, the property arm of Gamuda Berhad, stated,
“Gamuda views the UK as a key strategic market for real estate investment. Since 2022, we have committed £1.4bn in gross development value to the UK, including prime commercial office assets, residential properties, and PBSA. As we expand in the UK, City Wharf represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to Glasgow’s student housing landscape. Our focus has always been on creating thoughtfully designed, sustainable communities, and this project aligns perfectly with that ethos.”
This collaboration marks Gamuda Land UK’s first student housing project outside London and represents a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into the UK property market. The project is part of Gamuda’s broader PBSA portfolio strategy, with plans to deliver 3,000 student beds across the UK by 2027.
City Wharf is Gamuda’s second PBSA project in the UK, following its development of a 299-bedroom student housing scheme in Woolwich, London, in partnership with Q Investment Partners (QIP).
