UPP selected as preferred bidder for Temple Quarter scheme

UPP has been selected as Preferred Bidder to deliver a major new purpose‑built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme for the University of Bristol,

The scheme comprises three buildings and 890 high‑quality student bedrooms at the University’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in central Bristol.

UPP will work alongside Watkin Jones as the delivery partner on the scheme, who saw Gateway 2 approval for another part of the scheme last week.

Cushman & Wakefield are advising the University of Bristol on the process.

The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, which will open in 2026, will deliver teaching facilities, research labs and collaborative workspace for students, staff and enterprise partners.

The Temple Island PBSA is set to become a principal student accommodation site for the University of Bristol within the Temple Quarter area, serving mainly postgraduate students who typically come to study at the University for one year.

Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, the development will feature 1,143 sq m of high‑quality amenity space, including a range of flexible study areas and social spaces to support student living.

The development is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC ‘A’ rating.

UPP is the UK’s only multi‑discipline, full‑service Design, Build, Fund and Operate (DBFO) company dedicated solely to the higher education sector. With over 25 years of experience and more than £3.8bn invested, the company has a strong track record of delivering next‑generation campuses at scale.

UPP will now work with the University to progress the scheme through design and towards financial close, with the accommodation scheduled to open in 2030. The University of Bristol will enter into a long-term nominations agreement, with UPP responsible for day-to-day management and operation of the buildings.

Comments

Elaine Hewitt, chief executive at UPP said:

“UPP is delighted to progress this exciting new development with the University of Bristol.

Drawing on decades of experience in providing high-quality, sustainable student accommodation, we look forward to working with the University to enhance the student experience and create an outstanding home for the Temple Quarter student community.’’

Craig Nowell, chief property officer at the University of Bristol, said:

“This will be a flagship student residence situated right next to the University’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus which itself is opening to students in September this year. This new accommodation is an integral part of the University’s commitment to this previously neglected area of the city and will be part of the wider regeneration of the Temple Island area, providing a high-quality home for our students for many years to come. We look forward to working with UPP to deliver this significant project.”

Alex Pease, chief executive at Watkin Jones, said:

“Watkin Jones is pleased to be the preferred development partner for the University of Bristol and UPP on this landmark project, supporting the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and the wider regeneration of the Temple Island area.”