QuadReal and London Square Launch £120M Woolwich BTR Partnership, Adding 241 Rental Units to 700-Home Development
LONDON — QuadReal and London Square have agreed to a £120 million forward-funded partnership to deliver 241 build-to-rent (BTR) units at a mixed-tenure development in Woolwich, south-east London, the firms announced June 15. The deal marks the first BTR partnership between the two companies and will bring QuadReal's UK built-to-rent and student housing platform to more than 11,000 units.
The 241 rental units will be managed under QuadReal's UNCLE brand and form part of London Square's broader Woolwich scheme, a triple-tenure development totalling 700 homes across a 4.49-acre site. The project has secured full planning permission and Gateway 2 approval, with construction set to begin this spring and completion expected in 2029.
Deal Structure and Development Details
Under the terms of the agreement, QuadReal will forward fund the £120 million BTR portion of the Woolwich scheme. The broader masterplan includes 337 affordable homes — representing 48% of the total — which will be managed by The Hyde Group. The remaining units comprise the 241 BTR homes to be operated by UNCLE.
The site has obtained both full planning permission and Gateway 2 approval.
Adam Lawrence, Chief Executive of London Square, said the partnership would add a much-needed rental offering to the mix of new homes on offer in the neighbourhood. "Partnering with a respected investor known for operational excellence and a renter first approach highlights the quality of our Woolwich scheme and the strength of London Square's approach to design and delivery in the capital," Lawrence said.
Kristian Branum-Burns, Managing Director of QuadReal, said the partnership reflects the firm's global investment strategy. "This project joins our award-winning UNCLE portfolio, and we are confident this development will set a new benchmark for design, sustainability and placemaking, while creating long-term value for the local community," Branum-Burns said.
Location and Connectivity
The Woolwich scheme is positioned within close proximity to two major transit nodes: Woolwich station on the Elizabeth Line is approximately 400 metres from the site, while Royal Arsenal station on the DLR is approximately 150 metres away. City Airport is also nearby.
Woolwich was recently cited as one of the top places to live in London, with recognition attributed to its value for money, connectivity, quality of schools, community events, and access to the Thames Tidal paths, according to the announcement.
Sustainability and Design
The Woolwich development incorporates a sustainability-focused design strategy centred on a fabric-first approach. Features include central air source heat pumps, high-performance building fabric, and optimised glazing designed to minimise energy demand and carbon emissions. Across the masterplan, the design is projected to achieve a 76% reduction in regulated carbon emissions, according to the announcement.
Platform Context
With the addition of the Woolwich units, QuadReal's UK built-to-rent and student housing platform will exceed 11,000 units, the firm said. The UNCLE brand, under which the Woolwich BTR homes will be managed, will serve as the operational platform for the new development upon its expected 2029 completion.
Sources
QuadReal: London Square and QuadReal Agree to First BTR Partnership (June 15, 2026)