Arada’s two significant purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) projects in Camden, London, have taken a substantial step forward as the developer has finalised a forward sale of the affordable housing component to Clarion Housing Group. This agreement is part of a broader transaction encompassing three Arada developments in the borough, through which Clarion will acquire a total of 136 social rent homes. In addition to the residential-led 100 Avenue Road scheme, the deal also secures affordable housing for Arada’s 100 Chalk Farm Road and Jamestown Road PBSA projects.
The Deal Overview
This strategic collaboration with Clarion demonstrates Arada’s commitment to addressing the acute housing shortage in Camden. Jonathan Seal, CEO of Arada London, stated, “Our integrated model allows us to take developments through the full delivery process, from masterplanning and design to construction, making us an attractive partner that can deliver at speed and scale. We look forward to working closely with Clarion as we deliver these new homes.” The arrangement enables the timely progression of these projects, providing essential housing in a borough facing significant supply challenges.
Details of the Developments
At the 100 Chalk Farm Road site, located adjacent to the Roundhouse in Camden Town, the development will feature 264 PBSA beds, along with 30 affordable homes and ground floor commercial space. Designed by DSDHA, this project is currently under construction and aims to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum accreditation.
Meanwhile, the Jamestown Road scheme, developed in partnership with 4C Group, will offer 178 PBSA beds, 27 affordable homes, and flexible commercial space within a six-storey structure designed by Morris+Company. Construction for this project is already underway, with completion anticipated in early 2028.
Strategic Partnership Insights
Planning committee papers released earlier this year revealed that Clarion’s interest in acquiring the affordable homes across all three developments enabled Arada to expedite the schemes using a portfolio approach. Rather than pursuing the purchase of affordable housing on an individual basis, Clarion’s agreement covers homes across the wider Camden pipeline, allowing for a collective progression of all three developments.
Impact on Affordable Housing
Importantly, under the terms of the agreement, all affordable homes across the three schemes will be designated as social rent housing, replacing the previously approved mix of social rent and intermediate homes. This adjustment does not alter the total number of affordable units or the planned PBSA developments.
Richard Cook, Chief Development Officer at Clarion Housing Group, remarked, “We are pleased to be partnering with Arada London on this deal, which will deliver 136 new social rent homes for Camden. There is an urgent need for more genuinely affordable housing across London, and partnerships like this play an important role in increasing supply. By combining Arada London’s development expertise with Clarion’s long-term stewardship, we’re creating high-quality homes that will remain affordable for generations to come, helping more people put down roots in the communities they call home.” This partnership is a significant step towards enhancing the affordable housing landscape in Camden and demonstrates the potential of collaborative efforts in tackling housing shortages in urban areas.