Derwent London has entered into a strategic partnership with Related Argent to develop a significant regeneration project at Old Street, centred on the former Moorfields Eye Hospital site in London’s EC1 district. The 2.5-acre site, located near the Silicon Roundabout, is expected to be acquired by late 2027, marking a pivotal step towards the creation of a substantial mixed-use campus that aligns with growing urban living trends.
The collaboration aims to pursue planning consent for a living-led scheme, combining residential, co-living, student accommodation, office space, and hotel facilities. Both developers intend to leverage their extensive experience with complex and large-scale urban developments to bring this ambitious vision to fruition, emphasising long-term value creation for London. The master plan is designed to allow flexibility in delivery formats, including joint ventures, forward funding, and plot sales, giving the partnership adaptability as market conditions evolve.
Related Argent’s proven track record in urban regeneration, coupled with Derwent London’s innovative development approach, positions the partnership to maximise the potential of this prime London location. The project's proximity to the Silicon Roundabout, a vibrant tech hub, aligns well with the mixed-use theme, catering to diverse residential and commercial needs in a high-demand area. Related Argent’s CEO, Tom Goodall, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the shared ambition to deliver enduring value to the capital.
This development forms part of a broader trend in London’s real estate sector, where mixed-use schemes incorporating co-living and student housing are increasingly sought after, responding to changing urban lifestyles and housing demands. Alongside this, significant investments and ventures are sweeping across London, signalling robust confidence in the city’s appeal to both property developers and institutional investors.
For example, Aberdeen Investments recently acquired Standbrook House on Old Bond Street for £120 million, marking continued interest in central London’s mixed-use buildings integrating retail, office, and residential components. Similarly, Gamuda Land has embarked on a purpose-built student accommodation project in Stratford, with completion aimed for the 2028-2029 academic year, underscoring demand in the education-linked housing sector.
Funding activities also spotlight the momentum in London’s property market. AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest superannuation fund, has launched a new UK living platform with an initial £500 million investment, targeting growth in institutional-grade rental homes, including student and coliving accommodations, emphasising strategic urban centres anchored by universities and high-growth industries.
In urban logistics, Investec Realis has partnered with UK developer Wrenbridge on speculative logistics projects, reinforcing the city’s push for high-performance, sustainable commercial assets. Similarly, in South-East London, Maslow Capital has provided a £122 million development finance package supporting a mixed-use regeneration in Abbey Wood, featuring coliving, hotel, and pet healthcare facilities.
The London property scene also continues seeing large-scale residential developments, as exemplified by Areli Developments’ submission for a 54-storey mixed-rental tenure scheme at West India Quay South, and Croydon Council’s approval of more than 800 homes in the town centre under Greystar's One Lansdowne development, highlighting ongoing residential expansion efforts in different boroughs.
This flurry of activity reflects a dynamic property market adapting to new demands, with Derwent London’s partnership with Related Argent poised to deliver a landmark project at Old Street that melds innovation, mixed-use functionality, and strategic urban regeneration. The collaboration’s flexible approach to development and delivery will likely set a template for future London schemes seeking to balance commercial viability with vibrant, liveable urban environments.
📌 Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1] (Bisnow), [2] (Derwent London), [4] (Construction Enquirer)
- Paragraph 2 – [1] (Bisnow), [2] (Derwent London), [3] (Investegate)
- Paragraph 3 – [2] (Derwent London), [5] (TipRanks), [6] (Related Argent)
- Paragraph 4 – [1] (Bisnow), [7] (Building)
- Paragraph 5 – [1] (Bisnow)
- Paragraph 6 – [1] (Bisnow)
- Paragraph 7 – [1] (Bisnow)
- Paragraph 8 – [1] (Bisnow)
- Paragraph 9 – [1] (Bisnow)
Source: Noah Wire Services