Dandara and Gamuda Land UK form JV for City Wharf PBSA
The PBSA and Build to Rent arm of Dandara Group – Dandara Living – has formed a strategic joint venture with Gamuda Land UK to develop City Wharf – a landmark PBSA scheme in Glasgow, Scotland.
The partnership underscores the pairs commitment to addressing the acute shortage of high-quality student accommodation in one of the UK’s most vibrant and undersupplied student markets.
City Wharf will deliver 492 new student beds in a mix of modern studio and cluster rooms, designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students.
Dandara Living will serve as both the developer and contractor for the project. Construction started in 2024, with completion targeted for the 2026/27 academic year.
In line with Glasgow’s climate targets and planning policies, City Wharf is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability. It will integrate low- and zero-carbon technologies, including air-source heat pumps, to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating.
Situated at a prime location adjacent to the Kingston Bridge at Anderston Quay, the City Wharf PBSA scheme is within walking distance of Glasgow’s central business district, retail hubs, and three major universities including the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University.
“We are delighted to partner with Gamuda Land UK on the City Wharf development. Their expertise and strategic vision align perfectly with our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-quality student accommodation.
“This project will not only provide much-needed beds but will also contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Glasgow’s Clyde waterfront, bringing further vibrancy and investment to the area.”
Jim Davies, CEO, Dandara Living
The City Wharf project reflects Dandara and Gamuda Land UK’s shared vision of providing well-designed, sustainable housing solutions, while supporting the long-term growth of Glasgow’s education sector.
Glasgow is home to over 88,000 full-time students, however it faces significant shortages of student accommodation, with a reported deficit of 22,000 beds. Dandara and Gamuda Land UK aim to help bridge this gap while setting new benchmarks for student living in the city.
“Gamuda views the UK as a key strategic destination for real estate investment. Since 2022, Gamuda has committed a total gross development value of £1.4bn to the UK market, encompassing prime commercial office assets, residential properties and PBSA.
“As we expand our footprint in the UK, we see City Wharf as an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Glasgow’s student housing landscape. Our focus has always been on creating thoughtfully designed, sustainable communities, and this project aligns perfectly with that ethos.”
Chu Wai Lune, CEO of Gamuda Land, the property arm of Gamuda Berhad
This collaboration marks Gamuda Land UK’s first student housing project outside London. It is also a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into the UK property market.
The partnership is part of Gamuda’s broader PBSA portfolio strategy, which aims to build 3,000 student beds across the UK by 2027.
City Wharf is Gamuda’s second PBSA project in the UK, following its 299-bedroom PBSA development in Woolwich, London, which is being delivered in partnership with Q Investment Partners (QIP).