The firm posted an upbeat trading statement to the City this morning and will confirm details of the expansion plans later today.

Watkin Jones completed six student accommodation schemes containing 2,723 beds in the year to September 30 2019.

All of the schemes were forward sold to institutional investors as are seven student schemes scheduled for completion this year and four next year.

The firm has a current Build to Rent pipeline of 1,750 apartments across eight sites.

Chief Executive Officer Richard Simpson is now looking to ramp-up construction levels to 3,500 student beds and 1,000 Build to Rent apartments annually over the next five years.