Starlight Investments Marks Major Milestone in Basildon Housing Project's Development
Starlight Investments, a global leader in real estate investment and asset management, has announced an important milestone in the completion of its major build-to-rent (BTR) project, known as The Mercantile, located in the heart of Basildon, UK. This pivotal event marks the topping out of the structure, celebrating the achievement of the highest point of the building and substantial progress toward the delivery of 492 new rental apartments.
The Mercantile will consist of three medium-sized residential buildings and will include approximately 16,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Designed to cater to modern urban living, this development offers a variety of one- and two-bedroom apartments, providing residents with convenient access to central London and the Southeast. Its proximity to Basildon Station allows easy commuting for residents while offering a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and services that enhance the urban living experience.
Future residents of The Mercantile will enjoy an extensive array of amenities, including a fully equipped gym, a yoga studio, a cinema, co-working spaces, a residents' lounge, private dining facilities, a games room, a golf simulator, a rooftop garden, a landscaped podium, bike storage, resident parking, and pet-friendly spaces.
This ambitious project contributes significantly to the ongoing regeneration of Basildon's city center and aligns with broader efforts to revitalize commercial spaces and introduce new housing options. As one of the most significant residential developments in the area, The Mercantile aims to increase the housing stock while promoting investment and activity in the region.
According to Jonnie Milich, head of the British residential sector at Starlight Investments, “This milestone represents a giant step toward completing The Mercantile project. It reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality rental housing in well-serviced communities while contributing to Basildon's renewal and evolution. We are grateful to our partners and project teams for their unwavering dedication as we work to welcome future residents.”
Neil Strelitz, co-founder and director at Orwell Real Estate, emphasized the project’s significance for Basildon, saying, “Achieving this stage is a remarkable milestone for Basildon. Through a collaborative effort with Starlight and the unwavering support from the Basildon council, we have been able to deliver nearly 500 new homes quickly. The Mercantile project will provide high-quality rental housing for the city center, and we are proud of the progress made by the entire team.”
Jonathan Tizzard, deputy director of Property, Assets and Development at Basildon Council, highlighted the project's value, stating, “The completion of The Mercantile marks a significant milestone for Basildon and a clear indication of the confidence that investors and developers have in our borough. This project will create nearly 500 new high-quality homes at the heart of our city center, helping to attract new residents, support local businesses, and strengthen Basildon’s economy. We are committed to creating a vibrant and prosperous town center, and The Mercantile represents precisely the kind of investment that helps turn this vision into reality. It’s fantastic to see the project reach this major milestone, and we look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes soon.”
The name “The Mercantile” pays homage to its location on Basildon’s market square and the site's historic role as a place for trade and exchange. The brand’s identity reflects a modern interpretation of traditional market stall canopies, taking the shape of an “M” that signifies the evolution of the site into a contemporary residential destination.
The topping out of The Mercantile symbolizes a critical stage in Starlight's ongoing commitment to expanding its residential platform in the UK, underscoring the company’s dedication to increasing the housing supply in markets with significant needs for new homes. Currently, Starlight’s British residential portfolio includes around 4,000 homes and more than £1.1 billion in assets under management, with plans for continued growth across key regional markets targeting over 10,000 homes in the coming years.
About Starlight Investments:
Starlight Investments is a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The private firm develops and manages over 70,000 multi-residential suites and 71 million square feet of commercial space with CAD $30 billion in assets under management. Starlight provides a range of investment vehicles through various real estate strategies, aiming to balance longevity with visionary curiosity to create a positive impact for investors and communities alike. For more information, visit www.starlightinvest.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.