News / Development
Green light for £150m purpose-built student accommodation
Planning permission has been granted for a new £150 million student accommodation block near Bristol Temple Meads.
The site, located just a three-minute walk from the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, is set to provide essential student accommodation for the city.
Developer Cubex Land submitted the planning application back in July last year for the brownfield site in St Philip’s Marsh, which was purchased in February 2024.
The proposed development at 35 Albert Road will consist of 530 student beds spread across 22 storeys, with a rooftop amenity terrace on the 20th floor.
Projected aerial view of the 22-story block in relation to the Bristol skyline – photo: Cubex
The plans include a mix of studio flats and cluster beds, as well as commercial space on the ground and first floors, which will feature affordable incubator workspaces for local businesses.
According to the proposals, 50 per cent of the site will be dedicated to public spaces, with a design that integrates flood defences in line with Bristol’s flood protection strategy.
The development, situated near the River Avon, will offer a public pathway for pedestrians and cyclists connecting to the river walkway and St Phillip’s footbridge, which leads to Temple Island.
The project is also expected to enhance Albert Road, creating a wide avenue that will connect to the broader St Philip’s Marsh district.
The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, which is expected to complete its first phase in 2026, will bring 4,600 new students to the area – photo: Milan Perera
According to the developers, the project aims to promote sustainable transport, with a car-free design, secure bicycle parking, car club spaces, and accessible parking options.
Will Tomlinson, development director at Cubex, said: “We are pleased that our proposed Temple Reach development at Albert Road is being considered by the committee, with a recommendation for approval from planning officers.
“This scheme offers a significant opportunity to help deliver the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy, alongside providing high-quality student accommodation, affordable workspaces, active travel routes, and new public spaces that will contribute to the regeneration of St Philip’s Marsh.”
The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, which is expected to complete its first phase in 2026, will bring 4,600 students to the area, with a larger second phase set to finish before 2030.
The new digs at 35 Albert Road is just a three-minute walk from the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus – photo: Cubex
The student accommodations at St Philip’s Marsh are expected to play a crucial role in housing the incoming students.
The £500 million campus facility has been hailed as a key component of the wider Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration project, which aims to transform 130 hectares of brownfield land in the heart of the city.
The purpose-built student accommodation near Bristol Temple Meads will have 530 beds – photo: Cubex
This approval for purpose-built student housing comes after a recent planning application for £350 million masterplan at nearby Temple Island, which includes 520 new homes.
Main photo: Cubex Land
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
