Business
Construction begins on second Guildford BTR scheme
Grainger plc has commenced construction on its second Build to Rent scheme at Guildford Station, a c.£75 million investment that will deliver 179 new rental homes. This project, in partnership with Solum, adds to Grainger's existing 98 homes in Guildford, bringing the total investment in the area to over £116 million. The development is expected to complete in 2028 and contribute to earnings from FY28, aligning with prior guidance. This initiative supports the company's cluster strategy and focuses on well-connected locations with strong rental demand, reinforcing Grainger's commitment to accelerating housing delivery through station-led development. Disclaimer*
About this update from Grainger Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n29th January 2026\nGrainger plc\n(\"Grainger\" or the \"Company\")\n \nConstruction begins on Grainger's second BTR scheme in Guildford\n \nGrainger plc, the UK's largest listed residential landlord and leader in the Build to Rent (BTR) sector, is pleased to announce that construction has commenced on its second BTR scheme at Guildford Station, delivering 179 new rental homes.\n \nThis c.£75 million investment is in line with Grainger's cluster strategy and adds 179 new homes to the 98 homes already delivered at The Mint, totalling 277 homes and over £116m of investment in Guildford by Grainger.\n \nIn partnership with Solum, a joint venture between Platform4 - Network Rail's property development company - and Kier Property, the regeneration at Guildford Station reinforces the potential for high-quality housing development adjacent to train stations and aligns with the Government's announcement in November 2025.[1]\n \nThis is the second project the partnership has delivered at Guildford, with excellent connectivity credentials, reflecting Grainger's strict investment criteria focused on assets with strong transport links to high employment zones.\n \nEarlier this week, Grainger's Chief Executive Helen Gordon joined the Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, at a roundtable with industry leaders to discuss the National Planning Policy Framework and the Planning and Infrastructure Act. The conversation focused on planning reform, infrastructure investment and partnership with the private sector. Construction commencing at Guildford Station reflects this shared focus on accelerating housing delivery through well‑connected, station‑led development.\n \nThe scheme will benefit from the wider £150m regeneration of the station quarter which includes £25m of station improvements. These comprise a new double-height ticket office designed to accommodate future customer growth through to 2035, improved pedestrian routes to platforms and a new multi-storey car park - all of which enhance transport connectivity for the town.\n \nConstruction is expected to complete in 2028, with leasing commencing thereafter, contributing to Grainger's earnings from FY28, in line with our prior earnings guidance.\n \nHelen Gordon, Chief Executive of Grainger, commen...