Property website React News revealed that sister company McLaren Property and its partner Topland are close to securing a £160m funding deal with investment giant Blackstone for the latest phases of The Oaks campus.

McLaren Construction is in line for the building contract which the Enquirer understands will be worth around £100m for the fourth and fifth phases of the scheme containing 1,210 beds.

McLaren has delivered the three previous phases of the project which were worth around £100m in construction value.

Work on phases four and five could start before the end of this year with completion due by 2026.