The firm has now struck deals to forward fund major schemes in Sheffield, Sutton and Bournemouth.

While in Scotland, Watkin Jones has also signed agreements for the development of 638 student beds across two schemes in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Both Scottish student schemes will be delivered in joint venture with CA Ventures, a Chicago-based real estate investment company and a new client for the group.

The first site comprises 422 beds in Cathedral Street, Glasgow, while the second site comprises 216 beds in Dundee Street, Edinburgh.

These developments are scheduled for completion for the 2021/2022 academic year and will cost £50m.

In Sheffield, Watkin Jones has now secured funding for a mixed scheme of 691 student beds and 71 build to rent flats at Steelworks House on Rockingham Street.

The development is scheduled for a phased delivery between August 2021 and the end of March 2022 and represents the fifth deal with AIG Global Real Estate.

In the south, another partner M&G Real Estate is backing a 166 private rental flats project in Sutton, due for delivery in June 2021, and 159 flats with office space in Bournemouth.

Also Watkin Jones now has secured full planning consent for a student scheme of 348 beds at Wilder Street in Bristol which is scheduled for completion ahead of the 2021/2022 academic year.

In the West Country, Watkin Jones has secured a 185-bed site on Lower Bristol Road in Bath which is targeted for delivery ahead of the 2024/25 academic year.

It has also secured a prime site in Iona Street, Edinburgh and will seek planning for 270 student beds and a further 88 flats.  The scheme is targeted for delivery ahead of the 2022/23 academic year.