This is a new type of residential accommodation which has just opened in Willesden, north-west London which is like student halls, but for people starting their career in London. A step up from a HMO.
‘The Collective’ is believed to be world’s largest “co-living” scheme with 546 people living across 10 floors. The majority of rooms in the 550-bed block are 10 sq metres and prices start from £195 per week and go up to £330 per week all bills included.
The property which is a converted office building contains a gym, spa, restaurants, bar, retail outlets, events spaces, roof terraces and for an extra fee there are yoga classes, film nights, running clubs and live music.
Regular cleaning and linen changes are offered as standard in every room and every floor has beautifully designed shared kitchens and lounges. There are communal entertainment spaces, luxury facilities and dining rooms for private and social events.
This is like student accommodation but for professional people who cannot afford the increasing rents in the larger cities but it does point out the higher level of accommodation expected by renters today especially in the sharing market. The days of knocking a 3 bedroom house into a 5 bedroom HMO with minimal internal adjustments apart from locks and fire doors are numbered and higher specification shared accommodation is now being sought by young professionals.
More information on The Collective can be found here www.thecollective.co.uk/
