Crest Nicholson, one of the UK's leading housebuilders, has recently purchased the Wheatley Campus site from Oxford Brookes University. The acquisition will help the group address the critical

shortage of high-quality housing in the area and meet local demand.

The site, which spans 53 acres, has outline planning consent for the development of 500 homes, of which 35% will be affordable housing. The development will include a mix of two, three, four, and five-bedroom houses, as well as some apartments. In addition, there will be community facilities such as public open spaces, a sports pavilion, a bowling green, and a cricket pitch.

CBRE, a leading global real estate services firm, advised Oxford Brookes University on the transaction. The development is located in Oxfordshire, near the villages of Wheatley and Holton and just a few miles away from Oxford city centre. The Wheatley high street has several independent shops, pubs, and restaurants, and the location also provides an excellent link to London via the M40.

Nicholas Daruwalla, Land Director at Crest Nicholson South, commented on the purchase, saying that the site's prime location and scale made it a key acquisition for the company. He added that the area has high levels of housing demand and low levels of supply, making this deal a critical purchase for Crest Nicholson. The company is committed to placemaking, which involves delivering attractive homes, amenities, and open green spaces to improve the quality of life for residents.

Jerry Woods, Director of Estates & Campus Services at Oxford Brookes University, expressed his pleasure at working with Crest Nicholson and CBRE on this sale. The Wheatley site will provide a high-quality residential environment, offering a variety of housing types to meet local needs. Oxford Brookes University has been based at Wheatley Campus for almost 50 years and will continue to engage with local groups and individuals while remaining on the site for the next 18 months.

Jasper Masters, Executive Director at CBRE, described the sale as a successful outcome for the University and an essential acquisition for Crest Nicholson. The Wheatley sale represents the largest single-family housing site to have exchanged in the UK since last September's mini-budget.

In conclusion, the purchase of the Wheatley Campus site is a significant move for Crest Nicholson as it seeks to address the urgent need for high-quality housing in the area. With the inclusion of affordable housing and community facilities, the development will provide a wide range of housing options to meet local demand. The acquisition also underscores Crest Nicholson's commitment to placemaking, which aims to deliver sustainable, vibrant, and desirable communities. Photo by Jpbowen, Wikimedia commons.