Manchester skyline

A trusted development partner

We buy the best sites in the best locations to deliver strong rental growth.

An unrivalled track record

We have an excellent track record at delivering ambitious transformational regeneration projects that create the best places to live, with an emphasis on quality, community and sustainability.

Manchester skyline
Merrion Way

At a glance

14,448

delivered PBSA beds

>99% occupancy YOY

across managed assets

5,214

beds under management

>£2.09 billion

GDV completed beds

>£1.5 billion

development pipeline

6,106

beds in pipeline

Developments

The Lyra studio space

Central London, UK

Student accommodation

209 beds

Operational

An 80,000 sq. ft. scheme in North Acton, West London which delivers modern student accommodation and retail. The scheme features 209 high quality studio apartments with an end value of approximately £30 million.

Broadcasting Place sunset on tower

Leeds, UK

Student accommodation

241 beds

Completed

Broadcasting Tower has beaten strong competition from some of the world’s most famous architectural schemes, including the Berj Khalifa in Dubai, to pick-up the prestigious title of Best Tall Building in the World from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).

Parkway Gate Manchester Tower

Manchester, UK

Student accommodation

728 beds

Completed

With Parkway Gate Downing has contributed three striking new buildings to the Manchester skyline, each with its own unique visual concept.

Eden Square exterior street view

Liverpool, UK

Residential

123 apartments

Completed

Situated in Liverpool’s city centre on the site of the former Hatton Garden Fire Station, Eden Square comprises of two distinctive but different towers featuring a total of 123 high specification residential apartments.

The Capital exterior corner

Liverpool, UK

Office space

410,00 sq ft

Completed

The transformation of Liverpool’s largest office building, the former Royal Insurance headquarters, involved a total reconstruction of the internal layout to provide over 220,000 sq ft. of Category A office space for the United Kingdom Border Agency.

The Port of Liverpool Building, external

Liverpool, UK

Office space

161,000 sq ft

Completed

Downing has been a proud custodian of the Port of Liverpool Building, one of the ‘Three Graces’ on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and a World Heritage location.

The Symphony front view

Liverpool, UK

Residential

60 apartments

Completed

The Symphony is a great testimony to Downing’s contribution to the regeneration of Liverpool. In 2005, the scheme was recognised in the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo regional property awards as one of the most successful developments across the city.

ESG gardens
land acquisition - Broadcasting Tower, Leeds
/01

Land Acquisition

We are actively seeking land acquisition opportunities across the UK, with particular interest in Russell Group University Cities. We have substantial funds available and have a no-nonsense approach to acquisition. All land will be considered, with or without planning permission.

Our preference is for large brownfield city centre sites, with opportunity for mixed use regeneration including Purpose Built Student Accommodation, co-living and residential.

We will also consider transformation of existing a premises into residential accommodation.

Our experienced team

We have extensive experience in handling the intricacies of large-scale site acquisition. You can trust our knowledgeable team to guide you through the process with expertise and professionalism.

We are always ready to have an informal discussion at your convenience.

Testimonials

What our clients say

“It was a pleasure working with the Downing team on a recent transaction. Everyone in the organisation, from building managers through to the senior leadership, demonstrated creativity, professionalism and integrity. We look forward to working together again in the future.”

James Rosenfeld

Managing Director at Blackstone

“As one of the longest standing private Student developers, owner and operators in the UK, Downing has consistently demonstrated an ability to create modern, well located and expertly run communities for their customers.  Their track record is undeniable and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Joe Guilfoyle

Head of Savills Capital Advisors

“The move to The Capital was a huge decision for us at UKBA and therefore needed a construction company we could trust – not just with our brief on fit-out but with the security implications involved.  The George Downing Construction team were easy to work with – they understood our requirements from the start, delivered on time and within our budget and made the whole process a seamless and successful one.”

Hilary Dalton

Assistant Director at UK Border Agency

“Downing worked with Leeds Met in designing, building and financing a new development for our Faculty of Arts and Society.  The design made a stunning addition to the Leeds skyline and throughout the process we found Downing’s attitude both positive and refreshing.”

Peter Slee

Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University

“Well executed and deftly placed, the Broadcasting Place project positions itself as a strong contrast and yet still feels complementary to its context.”

Gordon Gill

CTBUH Awards Chair

“Downing have brought extensive commercial developer experience to the planning and design of the NUBS building.  Throughout this process they have shown their willingness to appreciate and understand the needs of the HE Sector and to adapt to our specific requirements.”

Clare Rogers

Director of Estates at Newcastle University

“I would have no hesitation recommending George Downing Construction.  When we expanded our office within The Port of Building, we were working to an incredibly tight timetable.  Downing completed our fit-outs on time and within budget and we were able to move into our offices without any negative impact on business. Our staff and directors are delighted with the quality of the finished product.”

John Webb

Senior Director at NYK Group Europe Ltd