Arlington Advisors, the student accommodation provider and investment manager, has been appointed by King's College London to manage the refurbishment and remedial works of the college’s Champion Hill estate in south London.
The estate, located in Denmark Hill, provides 714 beds for students in six blocks, one of which is a Grade II-listed building. It is occupied by King’s College London on a long leasehold from Dulwich Estates and was redeveloped in 2015.
The planning application for the refurbishment and remedial works was submitted in November 2024 and given consent in January 2025. Construction, which will be led by Watkin Jones Group, will start next month, with completion expected on a phased basis in September 2026 and September 2027.
Champion Hill is Arlington Advisors’ latest on-campus project and draws on its experience and expertise in addressing building safety, sustainability and student experience. Its existing portfolio consists of around 9,000 beds across 33 assets in 19 UK cities, which are operated by wholly-owned subsidiary, Collegiate UK.
George Shweiry, CEO of Arlington Advisors, said:
“The Champion Hill refurbishment marks a pivotal moment for Arlington Advisors and represents a significant step forward in our long-term partnerships with leading universities and our expanding presence in on-campus living.”
Sean McKeown, Managing Director of Arlington Advisors, said:
“We are thrilled to have been selected by King's College London to lead this transformative project. Our work on Champion Hill will not only restore an iconic property but also strengthen our commitment to partnering with universities to support their strategic goals”.
Nick O’Donnell, Executive Director of Estates & Facilities at King's College London, said:
“The redevelopment and refurbishment of our Champion Hill estate will enable us to meet the increasing demand for quality accommodation, while also ensuring we continue to attract and retain top students. The Arlington-led team we’ve selected includes proven leaders who understand the importance of providing and managing safe, modern, and engaging student living spaces”.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Arlington Advisors:
Sean McKeown, Managing Director
+44 (0)20 7052 1096
sm@arlingtonadvisors.co.uk
Tavistock (PR adviser):
James Whitmore
07740 931042
james.whitmore@tavistock.co.uk
James Verstringhe
07769 698105
james.verstringhe@tavistock.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Arlington Advisors
www.arlingtonadvisors.co.uk
Arlington Advisors is a UK-based investment manager, established in 2012 by George Shweiry, which sources, structures and manages student housing assets, including on-campus university projects and purpose-built student accommodation on behalf of Arlington Investors. Arlington Investors is a Jersey-based fund which is one of the largest owners of off-campus student accommodation in the UK with a portfolio of approximately 9,000 beds across 33 assets in 19 UK cities, which are managed by Arlington Advisors and operated by wholly- owned operator Collegiate.
About King’s College London
King's College London is one of the world's leading universities, known for its prestigious academic heritage and commitment to impactful research and education. Located in the heart of London, King's is dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering critical thinking across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including health, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The university is globally recognised for its contributions to innovation, policy, and social impact, and is home to a vibrant, diverse community that spans over 150 countries. With strong links to industry and leading research institutions, King's aims to address global challenges and make a positive difference in the world.
About Watkin Jones Group
Watkin Jones is the leading developer, builder and third-party manager of new homes for rent across the UK and Ireland, with over 750 employees. Their focus is on the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), Build to Rent (BTR) and Co-living sectors. They have an unrivalled track record having delivered over 50,000 units to date. Their placemaking expertise and unrivalled track record enable institutions to make long-term investments in new high-quality and sustainable rental homes.