McLaren Property Completes 1,209-Bed iQ Longwood Place Student Scheme in Coventry

McLaren Property has completed the second and final phase of iQ Longwood Place, a purpose-built student accommodation development near the University of Warwick in Coventry, bringing the total scheme to 1,209 beds across nine residential blocks. The project was developed by Topland Vintage Group and McLaren Property on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation.

The completion marks the culmination of a phased regeneration effort that replaced a former business park — including the demolition of Avon House, Swift House and an associated multi-storey car park — with a campus-style student community. The first phase, comprising 572 beds, completed in 2025, while the second phase delivered an additional 637 beds.

Project Scope and Amenities

Located a 15-minute walk from the University of Warwick and a short journey from Coventry city centre, iQ Longwood Place features a range of shared amenity and social spaces, including lounges, study areas, a gym, karaoke room, arcade and landscaped outdoor areas. The scheme is designed to support student wellbeing, connectivity and community living, according to the development team.

George Basrawy, Head of Development for iQ, said: "We are delighted to add iQ Longwood Place to our portfolio, offering students a high-quality, campus-style living experience close to two leading universities. With phase two completing ahead of schedule, we can accommodate even more students in a location where demand continues to be strong. The number of students choosing to return for a second year in 2026/27 is a clear indication that the scheme is resonating with residents."

Sustainability and Social Value

Sustainability was a central component of the project's delivery. The scheme achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating, with construction practices including the crushing and reuse of bricks, stone and concrete from the original buildings on site, reducing construction waste. McLaren Construction worked with ecologists, Coventry City Council and local stakeholders to protect mature trees and install bird boxes as part of broader ecological enhancements.

The project also generated more than £19.5 million in social return on investment through local supply chain spend, apprenticeships, employment opportunities and education engagement initiatives across Coventry and Warwickshire, according to McLaren Construction.

Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: "The completion of iQ Longwood Place is a hugely significant milestone for McLaren Construction, Coventry and the wider University of Warwick community. This development has transformed a former business park into a vibrant new student village and played an important role in re-energising the area. Completing the second phase required exceptional collaboration across the entire project team. The finished development will leave a lasting legacy for students and the city of Coventry for years to come."

Developer and Operator Perspectives

William Davies, Director of Asset Management at Topland Vintage, said: "The delivery of Topland Vintage's development for iQ at Longwood Place marks the very successful completion of our long-term project to transform a redundant office scheme into a market leading student campus. All should be very proud of what has been created, and it has been a pleasure to work with such an expert team."

Claire Baxter, Senior Development Manager at McLaren Property, said: "We are extremely proud to mark the successful completion of this 1,209-bed student accommodation scheme, which represents a significant milestone for both our team and the wider community. From the outset, our ambition was to deliver a high-quality, sustainable and future-focused living environment that responds to the evolving needs of today's students. Achieving completion at this scale is a testament to the collaborative effort of our partners, consultants, and contractors, whose expertise and commitment have been instrumental throughout the project."

Broader Portfolio Context

The completion of iQ Longwood Place brings the total number of beds delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands & North to 2,870, including schemes in Nottingham and Manchester alongside all phases of the Coventry project.

Sources

McLaren Property — McLaren Construction completes final phase of landmark iQ Longwood Place student scheme