Revitalizing Historic UK Properties with Greystar

Written by Greystar

Edited by Greystar

Apartments and Communities February 6, 2025

Discover how Greystar is transforming iconic properties in the UK by blending historic architecture with modern living solutions. From former theatres and pharmaceutical hubs to fire stations, Greystar’s adaptive reuse projects bring new energy to cherished locations, offering dynamic residential options like student apartments in London and rentals in Birmingham that respect their historic significance.

Chapter White City: From Savoy Theatre to Student Living

A Historic Theatre Reimagined

Chapter White City, nestled in West London, is a shining example of transforming a historic property in the UK into contemporary housing. Originally known as the Savoy Theatre, it opened in 1923 with its elegant Art Deco facade designed by architect Frank T. Verity. Famous for its theatrical productions, the Savoy attracted audiences with its luxurious interiors and cutting-edge technology.

A New Era for Students

Fast forward to today, and this site is home to student apartments that London residents value for their proximity to top universities. While the original exterior remains, the interiors now feature modern comforts, including study spaces, social hubs, and a private gym. Chapter White City balances the charm of its theatrical past with the practical needs of today’s students, making it a standout in new flat developments in London.

Exterior view of The Savoy building in the UK, transformed into student housing by Greystar, with a clear blue sky in the background.

Greenford Quay: From GSK’s Hub to a Vibrant Waterfront Community

Industrial Past Meets Modern Living

Once home to GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) bustling research and manufacturing operations, Greenford Quay in West London has been revitalized by Greystar into a thriving mixed-use development. In its industrial prime, the site was a major employment hub, shaping the local economy.

A Revitalized Community

Today, Greenford Quay is a testament to urban renewal and historic building renovation, offering a unique blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. The waterfront setting enhances its appeal for residents seeking more than just flats for sale. Greystar’s thoughtful design respects the site's industrial roots while creating a vibrant community with modern amenities, continuing to enhance the landscape of property in the UK.

Architectural design of Greenford Quay property in the UK, featuring buildings with water flowing through the center and a clear sky in the background.

Canvas The Old Fire Station: Preserving Birmingham’s Heritage

A Historic Landmark with Modern Purpose

Built in the late 19th century, the Old Fire Station in Birmingham served as a vital community hub for decades. Its red-brick facade and iconic arched entrances make it a landmark in the area. Over the years, it has transitioned from a fire station to a storage facility and student housing, reflecting the evolving needs of the community.

Modern Student Living with Historical Charm

Greystar’s transformation of this accommodation in the UK brings modern student living to the heart of Birmingham. Canvas The Old Fire Station offers a unique blend of history and convenience, with updated interiors, study areas, and social spaces. This innovative historic apartment project contributes to the growing demand for rent in Birmingham while preserving the building’s architectural heritage.

Exterior view of the clocktower on the historic fire station building in the UK, now transformed into student housing, with trees in the foreground and a blue sky above.

Greystar’s Commitment to Sustainable Urban Living

These Greystar projects demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement by transforming historic properties into modern residential spaces. Whether it’s student housing in England or mixed-use developments, these adaptive reuse initiatives ensure that each historic building renovation project respects its past while providing dynamic living options for future generations.

From interior design to product sharing and outdoor spaces, discover more about the ongoing projects transforming our European properties on the Greystar blog, and browse all of Greystar’s apartments.

The information presented on or through this Website is made available solely for general information purposes. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by you or any other visitor to this Website, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. Any reference to amenities, services, rules, policies, or procedures at a Greystar apartment community is general in nature, and each Greystar apartment community may have amenities, services, rules, policies, and procedures that differ from those referenced on this Website. Please consult with your Greystar apartment community for the exact amenities, services, rules, policies, or procedures applicable.

This Website may include content provided by third parties, including materials provided by other users, bloggers, and third-party licensors, syndicators, aggregators, and/or reporting services. All statements and/or opinions expressed in these materials, and all articles and responses to questions and other content, other than the content provided by Greystar, are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the person or entity providing those materials. These materials do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Greystar. We are not responsible, or liable to you or any third party, for the content or accuracy of any materials provided by any third parties.