Gilltown

In 1992, Gilltown founder, Paul Gillespie, developed the first modern cluster flat system, effectively launching a new ‘student accommodation’ asset class. Last year investors ploughed £2.1billion into the sector, and it's within this market that the Gilltown team operates. Gilltown finds land, sources funding, and manages the entire development process from the first architectural sketches to final completion at which point the development is released to the investor. With more than 70 years relevant, cumulative experience, the founders of Gilltown have overseen many student projects and built more than units so far. Gilltown’s high profile industry contacts frequently put the company in touch with A-grade opportunities with subsequent funding coming from a variety of sources including overseas investment managers, asset managers, and UK annuity and pension funds. Clavering Place in Newcastle is Gilltown’s most recent project. On the site of a collapsed chapel, beneath which a treasure trove of Roman remains and artefacts were found, the proposed development will have more than 200 rooms, in a mix of cluster flats of five and six bedrooms, each cluster with a dedicated kitchen/lounge/dining room, and self-contained studios. All rooms are generously sized, have their own en suite shower pods and are finished to high quality and exacting standards. Communal spaces consist of a gymnasium, cinema, and large ‘destination’ common room as well as separate study areas. With planning secured, a scheme-specific website has been built to showcase the scheme and invite comments from the community. This new development adds to Gilltown’s fast growing portfolio of excellence.