17th Feb 2026 16:49
(Alliance News) - Watkin Jones PLC said on Tuesday a 201-bed student accommodation project in Bristol's Temple Quarter has achieved a gateway 2 approval, certifying safety regulations have been met at the design stage.
Gateway 2 is the penultimate regulatory approval needed for high-rise residential buildings in England, before completion certificates.
The project, which will be under construction "at the earliest opportunity" in Bristol's Freestone Road, is delivered by a joint-venture between real estate fund manager Moorfield Group and Tiger Developments. Watkin Jones acts as the development partner in the project, while Host Ltd, a student-living company, will take over management of the property upon completion.
The purpose-built student accommodation project, slated to be completed by the start of the 2027/2028 academic year, will consist of 65 ensuite clusters and 136 self-contained studios across four blocks. It is also targeting energy efficiency and environmental certifications.
The total cost of the development should be around GBP60 million, according to the September joint-venture announcement between Moorfield Group and Tiger Developments.
The London-based development and property management firm said the project is being constructed opposite the University of Bristol's Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, and is part of the Temple quarter regeneration which is aiming to host 4,600 students and a thousand new staff and partners across schools, research hubs and innovation centres.
Watkin Jones Managing Director Gwyn Pitchard said: "Achieving gateway 2 approval for our PBSA scheme on Freestone Road demonstrates our expertise in driving projects forward while maintaining our focus on excellence in construction delivery. The development highlights our ability to meet market demand with innovative, high-standard builds that benefit communities and stakeholders alike."
Watkin Jones shares were down 0.3% at 30.40 pence each in London on Tuesday afternoon.
By Martin Miraglia, Alliance News reporter
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