Watkin Jones has acquired a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development site in Bristol as part of its joint venture with Maslow Capital, marking the second transaction between the two firms.

The scheme, located on Malago Road, will deliver 484 student beds across three blocks and is expected to reach a gross development value of £101.7m once stabilised. The site sits approximately 100 metres from Bedminster train station and is an 11-minute walk from the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus.

The development will comprise a mix of studio apartments and 40 non-ensuite rooms, with part of the accommodation nominated by the University of Bristol. In line with Watkin Jones’ sustainability strategy, the project is targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC B and WiredScore Silver ratings.

Bristol is widely regarded as one of the UK’s strongest student cities, supported by a large and growing student population, strong transport links and a well-established cultural and leisure offering. The city’s appeal to both domestic and international students continues to underpin demand for high-quality, purpose-built accommodation.

The acquisition follows the partners’ first joint venture project, The Ard in Glasgow, and highlights Watkin Jones’ continued strategy of working with institutional capital to deliver large-scale PBSA schemes in key university markets.

George Dyer, Group Investment Director at Watkin Jones, said: “This transaction with Maslow Capital, our second collaboration together, demonstrates the strength of our proposition and the quality of our PBSA offering across the UK.

“Bristol has firmly established itself as a destination of choice for students, and we’re delighted to deliver a sustainable, high-quality scheme, supporting the City and University’s growing student population.”

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