Bristol Temple Quarter sees development approval

Watkin Jones has confirmed its 484-bed student accommodation development, based on Malago Road and acquired last year within the Bristol Temple Quarter, has achieved Gateway 2 approval.

The project is a joint venture between Watkin Jones and Maslow Capital, and this approval allows development to continue onto the next stage.

Construction has already begun, starting earlier this year following the announcement of the project in December 2025.

The site is situated near both the Bedminster train station, and Bristol University’s Temple Quarter Campus.

Expectations are for the development to reach completion by the 2028 academic year.

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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.

“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. This project underlines our commitment to creating thoughtful, future‑ready student accommodation, and we look forward to progressing the project towards completion in time for the start of the 2028 academic year.”

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.

“Bristol continues to demonstrate clear demand for well-located, purpose-built student accommodation, and this development is particularly well positioned given its connectivity and proximity to the University of Bristol’s growing Temple Quarter campus. We are pleased to be partnering with Watkin Jones to support the delivery of an asset that is well aligned with the city’s long-term needs.”

Image: Malagoroad.co.uk