Assura plc, the Warrington-based healthcare real estate investment trust (REIT), said on Wednesday its portfolio currently stands at 662 properties with annualised rent roll of £141.3 million.

In a trading update for its first quarter to June 30, 2022, Assura said it has an immediate development pipeline of 18 schemes, where it expects to be on site within 12 months, totalling a further £154 million.

The REIT said it continues to experience some delays to construction timetables and start dates.

Assura CEO Jonathan Murphy said: “Assura has delivered another strong first quarter, progressing our acquisition and development pipelines in completing 17 additions to the portfolio.

“We have moved on site with a further two development schemes, including our first live net zero carbon project in Fareham, and so currently have 14 live schemes.

“We are seeing increased opportunity to work with the NHS in providing the crucial primary care infrastructure that the country so badly needs, but we will maintain a disciplined approach to the deployment of capital as we do so.”

At June 30, Assura’s net debt stood at £1.109 billion with cash and undrawn facilities of £266 million.