Downing is pleased to confirm that it is co-founding a new real estate investment management business alongside Jessica Hardman, former Head of European Portfolio Management and UK CEO of global investment manager DWS.
Jessica has over 20 years’ experience in global real estate investment management and was recently appointed a President of the British Property Federation (BPF).
The new company, named Aboria Capital, headquartered in London, will leverage Downing’s 35-year development and operational track record, which has seen it deliver more than £3 billion in real estate development across the UK, including 14,500 beds in the PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) sector.
Jessica’s deep experience and senior leadership in international investment management will initially focus on realising Downing’s £1.6bn pipeline, which includes 10 new projects planned to start on site at locations across the UK in 2025 and 2026, including a flagship co-living scheme, Square Gardens in Manchester – a £400m project which will comprise more than 2,500 beds on completion. Assets which will seed the first stage of a multi-year growth plan for Aboria Capital.
Jessica Hardman comments: “Downing is recognised as a seasoned, high-quality living operating and development business. The UK and European living sector continue to be the most favoured sector by international investors especially where managers can offer the benefits of a vertically integrated value chain across both the investment and operational disciplines.”
