Grainger Expands CLL with 195-Home BTR at Chiswick Reach

Key Points

• Grainger plc (LON:GRI), the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, through its Connected Living London (CLL) joint venture with Places for London (TfL’s property arm), has agreed to forward fund and acquire a 195-home Build to Rent (BTR) scheme at Chiswick Reach, Bollo Lane, West London.
• The scheme is to be developed in partnership with Barratt Redrow plc, marking Grainger’s first BTR collaboration with a major UK housebuilder.
• It has detailed planning consent and Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, allowing construction to commence.
• The development includes 195 BTR homes, with 95 Discounted Market Rent homes, 4,299 sq ft of high-quality commercial space, and 5,499 sq ft of internal amenity space featuring co-working areas and a gym.
• Purchase price is approximately £68.4 million, split 51:49 between Grainger and Places for London per CLL structure; expected to yield returns in line with Grainger’s London target range, plus asset management fees for Grainger.
• Site located on former railway land, 8-minute walk from Chiswick Park (District Line) and South Acton (Overground) stations, expanding Grainger’s West London cluster.
• Construction starts Q1 2026, practical completion late 2028, leasing late 2028/early 2029.
• Helen Gordon, Chief Executive of Grainger, highlighted the strategic milestone and potential for future collaborations.

West London (West London News) January 26, 2026 – Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, has expanded its Connected Living London partnership with Places for London by agreeing to forward fund and acquire a 195-home Build to Rent scheme at Chiswick Reach on Bollo Lane.

The announcement, detailed in a regulatory filing via Investegate, underscores a key development in London’s rental housing market, with the joint venture partnering with Barratt Redrow plc for construction. This move adds to the CLL pipeline, which focuses on transport-connected sites, and introduces discounted rents for nearly half the homes.

What is the Connected Living London Partnership?

Connected Living London (CLL) is a joint venture between Grainger plc and Places for London, the property arm of Transport for London (TfL), aimed at delivering quality rental homes near transport hubs across the capital. As outlined in Grainger’s official announcement on Investegate, CLL has now forward-funded the Chiswick Reach scheme, with the purchase split 51 per cent to Grainger and 49 per cent to Places for London.

The partnership builds on prior collaborations, such as earlier TfL board discussions on Bollo Lane funding back in September 2023, where CLL was noted for acquiring 195 residential units. Reporting from Directors Talk Interviews mirrors this, emphasising CLL’s role in professionally managed, purpose-built rentals.

Where is Chiswick Reach and Why is its Location Significant?

Chiswick Reach sits on former railway land along Bollo Lane in West London, offering excellent connectivity just an 8-minute walk from Chiswick Park Underground station on the District Line and South Acton station on the London Overground. This positioning expands Grainger’s West London cluster, enhancing its portfolio in a high-demand area.

As reported by Investing.com, the site’s transport links make it ideal for renters seeking proximity to central London. Makower Architects, involved in the design, described the 27-storey mixed-use tower as transformative for West London, providing homes alongside public craft spaces.

What Does the Chiswick Reach Scheme Include?

The development will deliver 195 new BTR homes, including 95 at Discounted Market Rent, alongside 4,299 square feet of high-quality commercial space and 5,499 square feet of resident amenities such as co-working space and a gym. Detailed planning consent and Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator are already secured, paving the way for immediate construction start.

Investegate’s RNS announcement specifies these features, noting the scheme’s addition to the JV pipeline. TipRanks coverage confirms the mixed-use elements, highlighting the balance of residential and commercial offerings.

Who are the Key Players Involved?

Grainger plc (LON:GRI) leads as the UK’s largest listed residential landlord, with a national portfolio exceeding 11,000 homes and a £1.3 billion BTR pipeline. Places for London, TfL’s property division, partners via CLL to optimise TfL land for housing.

Barratt Redrow plc is the development partner, a first for Grainger with a major housebuilder. Halifax Investments and LSE pre-open reports both note this collaboration on the £68.4 million forward-funded purchase.

What is the Financial Structure of the Deal?

The purchase price stands at circa £68.4 million, divided 51:49 between Grainger and Places for London in line with CLL’s structure. Grainger anticipates returns matching its target range for London schemes and will earn asset management fees.

As per Investing.com’s stock market news, Grainger’s 51 per cent stake underscores its leading role, with the deal generating positive market sentiment. Directors Talk Interviews echoes the financial details from Grainger’s release.

When Will Construction and Leasing Begin?

Construction at Chiswick Reach is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026, with practical completion expected in late 2028. Leasing will follow shortly after, starting in late 2028 or early 2029.

Grainger’s Investegate filing provides this timeline precisely, aligning with the site’s readiness post-approvals. No delays are mentioned across sources, including recent coverage from TipRanks.

What Did Grainger’s CEO Say About the Announcement?

Helen Gordon, Chief Executive of Grainger, commented in the official RNS via Investegate:

“We are pleased to announce this strategic milestone in our partnership with Places for London, a new scheme in our JV’s pipeline with construction commencing imminently, delivering 195 high quality rental homes in a well-connected West London location.”

She continued:

“Working alongside Barratt Redrow on this project represents an exciting development in our approach to delivery partners, opening potential new avenues for collaboration with major housebuilders as we continue to expand our build-to-rent portfolio across the UK.”

Gordon added:

“This scheme further strengthens our London portfolio, complements our growing cluster in West London and demonstrates continued momentum in Connected Living London, our partnership with Places for London, delivering professionally managed, purpose-built rental homes across the capital.”

Directors Talk Interviews quoted these statements verbatim from Grainger.​

Why is This Grainger’s First Collaboration with a Major Housebuilder?

This project marks Grainger’s inaugural BTR partnership with a major UK housebuilder like Barratt Redrow plc, as stated in the company announcement. It signals a shift in delivery partners, potentially opening doors for future ties, per Helen Gordon’s remarks.

TipRanks highlighted this novelty in their company update, noting its role in Grainger’s expansion strategy.​

How Does Chiswick Reach Fit into Grainger’s Broader Portfolio?

The scheme bolsters Grainger’s London holdings, particularly its West London cluster, amid a national portfolio of over 11,000 rental homes and a 4,500-home BTR pipeline worth £1.3 billion. CLL’s focus on TfL-adjacent sites amplifies this growth.

Places for London’s partnership page describes CLL’s ambition for mixed-tenure rentals, with Chiswick as a prime example. Market reports from Investing.com tie it to ongoing BTR momentum in the capital.

What Approvals Has the Scheme Received?

Detailed planning consent is in place, complemented by Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, enabling construction to proceed. Makower Architects announced this milestone in late 2025, praising collaboration with Barratt London (pre-Redrow merger entity) and Places for London on safety standards.

What Amenities Will Residents Enjoy?

Residents will access 5,499 sq ft of internal amenities, including co-working space and a gym, plus 4,299 sq ft of commercial space. Makower Architects detailed communal terraces and publicly accessible makers-spaces for local employment.

Implications for London’s Rental Market?

This deal addresses London’s housing needs with affordable options like 95 Discounted Market Rent homes amid rising demand. It exemplifies public-private partnerships via TfL land, potentially influencing future BTR projects.

Grainger’s investor relations contact, Kurt Mueller, and media team at Camarco are available for further queries, as noted in the RNS. The announcement has appeared in pre-open stock updates, reflecting investor interest.