:
UK: Private equity firm Moorfield Group and real estate developer Tiger Developments have entered into a joint venture to deliver a £60 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bristol, aiming to deliver 204 beds.
The development, designed by Chapman Taylor, will be built on a brownfield site at Freestone Road within Bristol’s Temple Quarter.
The project will feature four blocks ranging from six to eight storeys, comprising 69 ensuite clusters and 135 self-contained studios.
Moorfield will provide funding through its Moorfield Real Estate Fund V (MREFV), while Host, the operational arm of Tiger Developments, has been appointed to manage the scheme upon completion.
Watkin Jones will act as the delivery and contracting partner. CBRE advised Tiger Developments on the transaction.
Charles Ferguson-Davie, co-CEO and CIO of Moorfield, said: “MREFV has a thematic focus on living and storage real estate and PBSA remains a high conviction sector, where we can meet demand for best-in-class accommodation in the UK’s most structurally undersupplied markets. There are many challenges facing the development sector, which now also includes the new building control submission process, and we are pleased that we have been able to form a partnership with Tiger and Watkin Jones, who are both very experienced developers.”
John Nesbitt, managing director of Host, said: “This partnership with Moorfield Group will expedite the delivery of what we believe is one of the most exciting PBSA schemes planned for any UK city. Bristol’s student population is predicted to increase rapidly over the next decade, and this development is much needed, particularly in the context of the emerging and neighbouring Temple Quarter Enterprise. Students will have a safe, stylish and professionally managed place to live in the heart of one of the most popular cities in which to study in the UK.”
Gwyn Pritchard, managing director of construction at Watkin Jones, said: “This PBSA scheme at Freestone Road is a standout project, and we’re pleased to be moving into the next phase with the main contract now signed. Watkin Jones is uniquely positioned to diversify in a challenging market, bringing the expertise and capability to support our partners through evolving building safety regulations.
“Once complete, this development will deliver high-quality, thoughtfully designed student accommodation – including elevated walkways – ready for the 2027 academic year. We’re proud to be adding another landmark to Bristol’s thriving student population, adjacent to our successful Gas Lane development.”
Highlights:
- Moorfield Group and Tiger Developments created a joint venture for a £60 million PBSA scheme in Bristol.
- The development will deliver 204 beds across four blocks, featuring 69 ensuite clusters and 135 self-contained studios.
- The scheme is located on a brownfield site at Freestone Road, part of Bristol’s Temple Quarter.
