"With construction already underway, we are pleased to be progressing a development that will regenerate a brownfield site and deliver high-quality, sustainable student homes in a prime location"
- Gwyn Pritchard - Watkin Jones
Watkin Jones has secured Gateway 2 approval for its Bristol PBSA scheme, clearing a key regulatory milestone for a 484-bed purpose-built student accommodation development on Malago Road in the city’s Temple Quarter area.
The decision allows the project to move into the next stage of delivery following confirmation that required approvals, financing and contractual arrangements are in place.
The scheme sits within a joint venture between Watkin Jones and Maslow Capital, a real estate finance manager active across the UK and European markets. Construction began on site in early 2026, with the project already progressing through the build phase.
PBSA scheme moves forward after Gateway 2 milestone
Gateway 2 approval confirms that the development can proceed, marking a significant checkpoint in the delivery process for major residential schemes. In this case, the Watkin Jones PBSA project is now fully authorised to continue construction activity following completion of compliance and financing requirements.
The Malago Road site was first announced in December 2025 and is set to transform a brownfield plot into student housing in a location close to key transport and education hubs.
The scheme includes:
- 484 student beds in total
- Studio accommodation alongside 30 non-ensuite rooms
- Three residential blocks forming the development
- A nomination agreement covering part of the scheme with the University of Bristol
Watkin Jones said the project reflects its focus on delivering PBSA schemes that support long-term value creation while broadening income streams through sustainable residential assets. The group added that the development demonstrates its approach to agile project delivery in urban locations.
The site is positioned around 100 metres from Bedminster station and an 11-minute walk from the University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter campus, a factor expected to support student demand once operational.
Sustainability targets and delivery timeline
The Watkin Jones PBSA scheme is targeting a range of environmental and digital connectivity standards, including:
- BREEAM Excellent
- EPC B rating
- WiredScore Platinum certification
These targets form part of the wider design approach, which the developer says focuses on long-term operational performance and sustainability standards for student housing assets.
The project remains on track for completion for the 2028 academic year, maintaining its original delivery timeline despite construction only beginning in early 2026.
Gwyn Pritchard, managing director at Watkin Jones, said: “The achievement of attaining Gateway 2 for our Malago Road scheme reflects the strength of our partnerships, the quality of our design, and the hard work of our teams.”
He added: “With construction already underway, we are pleased to be progressing a development that will regenerate a brownfield site and deliver high-quality, sustainable student homes in a prime location.”
Pritchard also said the project highlights the company’s commitment to delivering “thoughtful, future-ready student accommodation” ahead of completion in time for the 2028 academic year.
Investor confidence in Bristol PBSA market
Maslow Capital, which is providing financing expertise through the joint venture, said the Gateway 2 approval reinforces confidence in the scheme’s fundamentals and the wider Bristol PBSA market.
Sky Mapson, senior director of origination at Maslow Capital, said: “Gateway 2 approval is an important milestone for Malago Road and reinforces our conviction in the strength of the scheme.”
He noted that Bristol continues to show demand for well-located PBSA, particularly schemes close to major university infrastructure and transport links.
Mapson added that the development is “particularly well positioned given its connectivity and proximity to the University of Bristol’s growing Temple Quarter campus,” highlighting the importance of location in supporting long-term occupancy levels.
The approval marks a key step forward for the Watkin Jones PBSA scheme as it moves further into construction and toward its scheduled 2028 completion.
