Cubex Secures Unanimous Approval for 531-Bed PBSA Development in Bristol’s Temple Quarter

News: January 2025

Cubex is thrilled to announce that its application for a 531-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development has been granted a unanimous approval by councillors, This project is located on a brownfield site in the heart of Bristol’s Temple Quarter and is being developed in partnership with Alara Investments. The development has gross development value (GDV) of £150 million, and will deliver exceptional quality student housing, affordable workspace, and major public realm improvements.

The site is positioned just a three-minute walk from the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and Temple Meads train station. Phase one of the campus is set to welcome 4,600 new students by 2026, with the development at Albert Road supporting the university’s expanding student population, whilst contributing to the wider regeneration of the area.

The PBSA scheme has been designed to the highest exemplar standards, placing a strong emphasis on community integration. Over 50% of the site will be returned to public use, offering new public spaces for residents and visitors alike. In addition, the development will successfully open up North-South and East-West connections, linking Albert Road to the Avon River and Temple Island. The site will enhance the area’s connectivity, offering improved access and a vibrant urban environment.

The development will provide 531 high-quality student beds, catering to the growing demand for student accommodation in the city. In addition, the scheme will offer over 4,000 sq ft of affordable business space, supporting the city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping to meet local demand for commercial facilities.

The project aligns with the city’s broader vision for regeneration and sustainability, with significant contributions to improving the local infrastructure, public realm, and environmental resilience. By contributing to the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy, the development will help safeguard the surrounding areas against future flood risks. The development will be delivered as BREEAM Excellent with an EPC A rating.

Will Tomlinson, Development Director at Cubex, expressed his excitement at the approval, saying:

“We’re incredibly proud to see such strong support for our developments at every level. The unanimous approval from councillors underscores the positive outcomes that can be achieved when the private and public sectors work together. Our design team, alongside city officers and consultees, have worked diligently to ensure this project delivers on multiple fronts. Not only will it provide high-quality student accommodation and affordable workspace, but it will also contribute to the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy and create new public spaces that play a key role in the regeneration of St Philip’s Marsh.”

Joe Downey, Manging Director at Cubex, said:

“This approval is a key milestone in the partnership between Cubex and Alara, underscoring our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable developments that meet the needs of the local community and support Bristol’s growth. The Albert Road development will enhance the student living experience whilst playing a significant role in rejuvenating one of the city’s most vibrant and strategically important areas.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the team of professionals who have contributed to the project so far, as well as to the councillors and officers for recognizing the significant benefits this scheme brings to the community. We look forward to moving ahead with delivering this exciting scheme and seeing it contribute to the continued growth of Bristol.”