Watkin Jones given green light for 500-bed student scheme in Bristol

The property developer has been granted planning permission by Bristol City Council following two years of negotiations

Plans for a major new student accommodation scheme in Bristol have been given the green light. Property firm Watkin Jones was granted approval for its 484-bed purpose-built development on Malago Road in Bedminster following two years of negotiations with the city council.

The revival of the brownfield site – formerly an engineering works and foundry – is one of the final projects in the Bedminster Green regeneration area.

The scheme will deliver managed homes for students ranging from six to 10 storeys across three buildings. The proposals include new public space and improvements to highway infrastructure, Watkin Jones said.

The scheme is the third for Watkin Jones in Bristol and is aiming to be rated BREEAM ‘excellent’, WiredScore ‘gold’ and have an EPC rating B, the developer added.The site will include storage for 130 bikes, three disabled car spaces that can accommodate EV charging, new tree planting, green landscaping along Malago Road, and river restoration works.

Ben Wrighton, head of planning at Watkin Jones, said: “We are very excited to announce planning approval for our second project in one of Bristol’s key regeneration areas and our third active project within the city.

“Our commitment to providing high-quality, and well-managed purpose-built student accommodation will in part address the significant growing demand from the University of Bristol. We look forward to continuing our efforts to meet this growing need alongside the City Council and the local communities.”

Watkin Jones is expected to partner with its management company Fresh to deliver 24-hour on-site services for students.

Source: https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/watkin-jones-given-green-light-29325190