Watkin Jones advances Bristol PBSA scheme as Malago Road hits key delivery milestone
Watkin Jones has reached a major milestone on its 484-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bristol, with the Malago Road development securing Gateway 2 approval and progressing into full delivery. The scheme, located within the city’s fast-evolving Temple Quarter, is being delivered through a joint venture with Maslow Capital. Gateway 2 approval confirms that all necessary planning, funding and contractual arrangements are in place, allowing the project to move confidently into the next phase of construction. Works commenced on site in early 2026, with the development remaining on programme for completion ahead of the 2028 academic year. Once delivered, the scheme will provide a mix of modern student accommodation, including studio units and 30 non-en suite rooms, arranged across three buildings. The project will regenerate a brownfield site in a well-connected urban location, positioned approximately 100 metres from Bedminster station and within an 11-minute walk of the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus. Part of the development will operate under a nomination agreement with the university, supporting demand from its expanding student population. The scheme forms part of a wider wave of PBSA development across key regional cities, where supply continues to lag behind growing student numbers. Its proximity to transport infrastructure and major academic institutions is expected to underpin strong long-term occupancy and investment performance. Gwyn Pritchard, managing director at Watkin Jones, said the milestone reflects the strength of collaboration across the project team, as well as the quality of the scheme’s design and delivery approach. He added that the development demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable, future-ready student accommodation in prime urban locations. Sky Mapson, senior director of origination at Maslow Capital, described Gateway 2 approval as a significant step forward, highlighting Bristol’s continued appeal as a market with clear demand for well-located PBSA. He noted that the scheme is well positioned to meet the long-term needs of the city, particularly given its connectivity and alignment with the University of Bristol’s growth plans. The Malago Road project reinforces the continued momentum within the PBSA sector, with developers and investors targeting high-quality schemes in strong university cities where demand fundamentals remain robust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sisk lined up for £280m Battersea Power Station phase as final Gehry buildings move forward
John Sisk & Son is understood to be the preferred contractor for the next phase of the Battersea Power Station development, with industry sources suggesting a deal is close to being finalised for phase 3C of the landmark scheme. The contract, valued at between £250 million and £280 million, would see Sisk deliver the final two buildings designed by Gehry Partners, completing the architect’s distinctive contribution to the wider masterplan. While the agreement has yet to be formally signed, Sisk has reportedly emerged as frontrunner, marking a significant potential win in the London residential and mixed-use market. The two buildings will form the final stretch of Electric Boulevard, the pedestrianised high street at the heart of the development. Known for its sculptural, undulating façades, the Gehry-designed element has become one of the most recognisable parts of the scheme. The proposed phase will comprise approximately 306 residential units alongside 65,000 sq ft of commercial space, including retail, café and restaurant uses. In addition, plans include a 15,000 sq ft community hub and a 600-space cycle facility, all supported by a substantial basement and podium structure. The buildings are expected to rise up to 15 storeys. Sir Robert McAlpine previously acted as construction manager on the first Gehry-designed building, Prospect Place, within the development. A start on site is anticipated in the coming months, signalling renewed momentum for the wider project following a more subdued period in London’s residential sector. The scheme sits within the broader Battersea Power Station regeneration, led by a Malaysian-backed consortium, which has already delivered thousands of homes, significant office space and a vibrant retail and leisure offer. The recent appointment of James Saunders as chief executive of the development company is expected to drive forward the remaining phases of the 42-acre riverside site. Meanwhile, Studio Egret West is revisiting the original masterplan developed by Rafael Viñoly, adapting later phases to reflect evolving market demand across residential, workspace and leisure sectors. The revised proposals are expected to unlock up to 3.2 million sq ft of additional development across the remaining site. Since acquiring the former power station in 2012, the development consortium has invested around £5 billion into transforming the site, delivering more than 2,200 homes, 800,000 sq ft of office space, over 150 retail and leisure units, and a major extension to the Northern line, firmly establishing Battersea as one of London’s most significant regeneration projects. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Savills: New Self Storage assets in London are set to be absorbed, supported by strong micro-market demand
Research by international real estate advisor Savills shows that London’s Self Storage development pipeline, including schemes under construction and those with full planning consent, is set to deliver an approximate 14% increase in supply. This would lift provision from around 1.35 sq ft to 1.54 sq ft of maximum lettable area (MLA) per capita. Savills has identified 27 Self Storage schemes with planning permission across London, which, if delivered, would add c.1.7m sq ft of MLA to the existing 237 stores in the capital. Despite strong city wide fundamentals, supply remains highly uneven across boroughs, with MLA per capita ranging from just 0.30 sq ft in Redbridge to 3.11 sq ft in Hounslow. Overlaying the development pipeline at a micro-market level shows that some previously significantly undersupplied locations will now see new stock coming to market to meet demand. For example, Barnet’s provision is expected to increase from 1.17 sq ft to 1.75 sq ft per capita, while Lambeth is forecast to rise from 1.66 to 1.99 sq ft per capita. In several boroughs, large pipelines are coming forward where there is already a supply of older generation facilities. In Camden, first- and second-generation stores account for 75% of existing MLA, with a development pipeline of c.88,000 sq ft, which is equivalent to around 34% of current supply. Savills assesses the ability of local markets to accommodate this new space by using its proprietary, granular Self Storage Score (SSSS), which combines supply density and pipeline with a wide range of key demand drivers in order to benchmark market resilience at a micro-market level. The SSSS also classifies Self Storage facilities by generation, which enables operators and investors to identify where opportunities may exist to displace older facilities. According to Savills, London remains one of Europe’s most structurally supported Self Storage markets, with strong demand underpinned by a combination of constrained living space, high housing costs, small business activity and population growth. Yet its per capita Self Storage supply is currently lower than in some other UK cities, such as Manchester. With a population of approximately 8.9 million, the capital is forecast to grow by 6.5% over the next decade, outpacing many major European cities. Limited new housing delivery continues to place pressure on urban space, sustaining long‑term demand for Self Storage. This depth of demand is clearly reflected in pricing. Similar to other capital cities, London commands the highest Self Storage rents in the country, with prime Zone 1 rents exceeding £75 per sq ft, Zone 2 above £60 per sq ft, and Zone 3 typically £35-£40 per sq ft. Ollie Saunders, Head of Self Storage at Savills, says, “Self Storage provides a much‑needed solution to increasingly urbanised, high‑density living and supports SME growth. While the pipeline in London points to a meaningful increase in supply of around 1.7 million sq ft, underlying demand and performance will continue to be driven by highly localised dynamics. “Demand fundamentals across the capital remain strong, and in many locations there is clear capacity to absorb new stock, particularly where modern, high‑quality facilities are being delivered. There is a noticeable undersupply in East London, and we are seeing the market respond with new developments in areas such as Newham, Redbridge, Greenwich and Bexley. “With many local markets now supporting over 2.0 sq ft per capita, we expect continued growth and for Self Storage assets to become increasingly visible across London as underserved markets see new stores being opened. With the increase in supply, this reinforces the importance for operators and investors of understanding micro‑markets when assessing the viability and underlying demand in local markets for these buildings.” Tom Atherton, Strategy & Market Intelligence Manager at Savills, adds, “Savills has mapped and audited every Self Storage facility in the UK, combining this with development pipeline data to assess how local supply and demand dynamics are evolving. Using our Savills Self Storage Score, we can compare market resilience at a micro‑market level. This analysis shows that many areas with incoming supply still remain well supported, with most markets demonstrating sufficient demand depth to absorb new pipeline space.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Reds10 to deliver £22.5m STEAM facility at Leicestershire school
Reds10, a pioneer in industrialised construction, has been appointed by the Department for Education to deliver a new £22.5 million STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) facility at The Hinckley School in Leicestershire. The project will replace four existing teaching buildings in two phases, creating a modern, purpose-built, three-storey facility for students across all year groups. The 103-module 3610m2 building will provide a range of specialist and general teaching spaces, including science laboratories, IT suites, engineering workshops, classrooms, and food technology kitchens. Designed to support both academic and creative disciplines, the new facility will deliver flexible, high-quality learning environments aligned with the school’s ambition to provide outstanding opportunities for its students. The project will be delivered using Reds10’s advanced volumetric modular construction approach, with approximately 87% of the building manufactured offsite at the company’s advanced construction facility in Driffield, East Yorkshire. This method will enable faster onsite assembly, improved quality control, and reduced disruption within a live school environment. Factory production is scheduled to begin later this year, with modules delivered and installed onsite from June 2027, before a handover to the school and planned opening in 2028. Sustainability is also central to the scheme. The new STEAM block is designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in use and will incorporate a bio-solar green roof with photovoltaic panels to offset energy consumption. The surrounding external works will include a combination of hard and soft landscaping, creating new outdoor social and learning spaces for students. The project is being delivered in collaboration with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, The Hinckley School, Gleeds, Sense of Space and The Futures Trust, reflecting a strong partnership approach to delivering high-quality educational infrastructure. Richard Abrams, Framework Delivery Director, at Reds10, commented: “Being appointed by the DfE to deliver this STEAM block is a significant milestone for Reds10, reinforcing our track record in delivering education projects of the highest quality across the UK. We look forward to collaborating with all our partners to create a building that reflects the school’s ambitions, inspiring students and supporting innovative teaching for decades to come.” Kate Groocock, Head of School, said: “This investment marks a transformative point in our school’s journey. Our new building will provide inspiring spaces that reflect our ‘Students First’ ethos and support our ambition to deliver exceptional opportunities for every learner. We are excited to work with our partners to bring this vision to life and create an environment where students can thrive for many years to come.” A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Every child deserves a safe, high-quality classroom where they can focus on learning. After years of neglect, too many children are being taught in school buildings that are in poor condition, and that simply isn’t good enough. Our Education Estates Strategy sets out a bold 10-year plan for national renewal to transform the schools and colleges so that child can learn in high-quality classrooms that are fit for the future. “We are thrilled that the new STEAM facility at The Hinckley School will provide modern, high‑quality spaces including science laboratories, IT suites, engineering workshops, classrooms, and food technology kitchens to support excellent teaching and inspire students for years to come. We are pleased to be working with Reds10 to deliver a building that reflects our commitment to world‑class education and sustainable design”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Study Inn Brotherton House, Leeds, Wins Two Major Awards at Unipol’s Rate Your Landlord Awards 2026
Study Inn Group is proud to announce that its Leeds property, Brotherton House, has been recognised with two top honours at the Unipol Rate Your Landlord Awards 2026, winning Best PBSA Provider and Best PBSA Building in the City. This nationally recognised award celebrates operators who consistently deliver high standards of accommodation and service, based entirely on student feedback. The Rate Your Landlord Awards are informed by hundreds of student reviews, covering areas such as customer service, maintenance, safety, value for money, and overall living experience. Hosted by the student executive teams at Leeds University Union and Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, the event brings together universities, local authorities, landlords, and students from across the city. Since opening in September 2022, Study Inn Brotherton House has quickly established itself as one of the leading student accommodation providers in Leeds. Operating at 100% occupancy, the property has also been ranked the #1 best student accommodation in the city for two consecutive years on Student Crowd (2024 and 2025), reflecting consistently high levels of student satisfaction. Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations at Study Inn, commented: “We are incredibly proud to be acknowledged as being the Best PBSA Provider and having the Best PBSA Building in Leeds. To achieve this recognition based entirely on student feedback is a testament to the dedication of our on-site teams and the experience we strive to deliver every day. At Study Inn, our focus has always been on creating a true home away from home, particularly for students who may be living away from their families for the first time. Special recognition must go to Centre Manager Terrie and her team, who have done an outstanding job at Brotherton House. Their commitment to student wellbeing and service excellence has been instrumental in achieving this success.” For Study Inn, this is an endorsement of our brand standards in terms of product, service delivery, and overall business model which prioritises student wellbeing, quality, and consistency across every touchpoint. Study Inn’s approach is centred on delivering a complete student living experience, combining high-quality design with service-led operations. Its residences offer fully furnished studios and en-suite apartments, dedicated wellness and social spaces, 24/7 on-site support, regular housekeeping, secure access, and an all-inclusive living model designed to provide comfort, safety, and convenience throughout the student journey. Study Inn remains committed to delivering high-quality student accommodation that supports both domestic and international students throughout their university journey. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aldi ramps up London growth with £40m store expansion drive
Aldi UK is set to strengthen its presence across the capital with a £40 million investment programme, delivering eight new stores across London and the wider Greater London area. The expansion will target a mix of urban and suburban locations, with new sites planned in Hanworth, Willesden, Watford, Marble Arch, Hoxton, Orpington West, Epsom and Stepney Green. The move reflects continued demand for accessible, value-led retail in densely populated areas, alongside the need for well-located, convenience-driven store formats. In parallel, Aldi will refurbish existing stores in Enfield and Kilburn, upgrading its current estate to align with evolving customer expectations and operational standards. The latest rollout builds on a strong period of growth within the M25 during 2025, when the retailer opened new stores in Wimbledon, Fulham Broadway, Shoreditch, Caterham, Uxbridge, Old Kent Road and Kentish Town, as well as completing an extension at its Colindale site. This sustained activity highlights Aldi’s commitment to securing urban sites, often within constrained or high-value locations. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said the expansion is focused on improving accessibility for London customers, many of whom remain underserved by the brand’s current footprint. He added that the new stores will create around 200 jobs across the capital, contributing to local employment and economic activity. The London programme forms part of a wider UK investment strategy, with Aldi planning to commit more than £370 million to new store openings nationwide this year. The continued rollout underscores the retailer’s confidence in the UK market and its long-term strategy to grow its estate in key urban and regional locations. For the property sector, Aldi’s expansion highlights ongoing demand for retail-led development within mixed-use schemes, high streets and transport-linked locations, where occupiers are seeking flexible, well-connected space to serve growing urban populations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals