Deal to start Watkin Jones’ largest build to rent job

Developer/builder Watkin Jones has sealed a £136m forward funding deal to deliver a 551 private rental homes scheme on Sherlock Street in Birmingham.Private rental operator Get Living has bought the scheme, which is its first acquisition in Birmingham.Located near to the iconic Bull Ring shopping centre, Sherlock Street – currently known as Maker’s Yard- is Watkin Jones’ largest build to rent development to date.Sherlock Street is located on a 2.47-acre site and will feature a new pedestrianised public square that connects the city centre with the wider Rea Valley Urban Quarter, as well as giving access to the scheme’s circa 16,500 sq ft of ground floor commercial space that will enable local employment opportunities.The neighbourhood will be managed and operated by Get Living on behalf of its investors, with the final phase of the scheme expected to complete in 2025.