Watkin Jones secures Gateway 2 approval for 484-bed Bristol PBSA scheme

Watkin Jones has achieved Gateway 2 approval for its 484-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Malago Road in Bristol, marking a key milestone in the project’s delivery.

The development is being delivered through a joint venture with Maslow Capital and will transform a brownfield site into a new student community within the city’s growing Temple Quarter.

📍 Prime location and delivery timeline

Construction began in early 2026, with completion targeted for the 2028 academic year.

The scheme is located:

• just 100m from Bedminster station

• within an 11-minute walk of the University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter campus

  
  

The development will include a mix of:

• studio apartments

• cluster accommodation

• 30 non-ensuite rooms

  
  

Part of the scheme will operate under a nomination agreement with the University of Bristol.

🌱 Sustainability and design

The project is targeting high sustainability standards, including:

• BREEAM Excellent

• EPC B rating

• WiredScore Platinum

🧠 What this means

Gateway 2 approval confirms that:

• design and safety requirements are met

• funding is in place

• the project can progress through delivery

  
  

Schemes like this continue to drive activity across:

• groundworks and structures

• MEP and fit-out

• specialist student accommodation delivery

  
  

With demand for PBSA remaining strong in key cities like Bristol, this is another major scheme progressing on site.