UK-based residential developer Grainger is set to collaborate with blocwork, a JV formed by Network Rail and Bloc Group for residential development.

This partnership intends to create more than 2,000 new purpose-built rental housing across key cities in the UK.

With this new collaboration, Network Rail intends to bring forward potential build-to-rent (BTR) sites from its large, well-located property portfolio, and the blocwork JV will manage the proposals through the planning process, with Grainger participating in design concepts.

Upon receiving planning permission, Grainger will finance the construction and eventually acquire and operate the completed projects.

Grainger CEO Helen Gordon said: “Having successfully delivered The Barnum, a build-to-rent scheme of 348 homes, with the Network Rail and Bloc joint venture ‘blocwork’, we see this as a great opportunity to collaborate further and deliver a potential 2,000 much-needed high-quality rental homes across the country, aligned to our city strategy.

“This partnership supports Grainger’s ambitious growth plans and provides access to superbly located and well-connected sites.”

Network Rail, Bloc Group, and Grainger recently concluded The Barnum, a 348-home BTR property in Nottingham.

Blocwork served as the developer for this project while Grainger provided the finance and operation when it was finished.

Network Rail property director Robin Dobson said: “Following the success of The Barnum in Nottingham with Grainger, this partnership is the natural next step to accelerate the delivery of new homes for communities.

“As the largest owner of infrastructure-led brownfield land in the UK, the creation of this partnership demonstrates our continued drive to work with strategic partners to unlock opportunities to deliver well-designed and well-connected homes and regenerate towns and cities.”