Cubex submit planning for £150m student living scheme in Bristol
News: July 2024
Cubex have submitted a detailed planning application for a 530 bed PBSA development on a brownfield site in central Bristol. The site was purchased alongside JV partner, Alara Investments, in February this year and aims to deliver vital student homes to the city. The waterside development has been designed to exemplar standards and is expected to have a GDV of £150 million.
The site is located in the heart of Bristol city centre, only a 3 minute walk away from the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and Temple Meads train station. Phase 1 of the campus will transform the wider area and is set to open to 4,600 new students in 2026, with a further, larger phase to be completed before 2030.
The proposed scheme will focus on delivering market leading sustainability credentials and amenity provisions, and is designed using low carbon materials. The development will be heated via the UK’s largest water source heat pump and incorporates passive flood defences to protect the city.
The design principals were set on integrating public realm into the development, over 50% of the site will be returned to public use and by opening North South and East West connections we have successfully connected Albert Road to the Avon River and Temple Island. Integration of native planting achieves an urban greening factor of 0.41 and a Biodiversity net gain of 3,800%.
The development at Albert Road will also comprise 4,500 sq ft of affordable business space which would be made readily available to local businesses. The development of Albert Road Boulevard, will provide businesses with active frontages readily accessible from the new pedestrian and cycle paths.
William Tomlinson, development director at Cubex, commented “By delivering high-quality student housing, robust sustainability measures, and significant economic and public realm enhancements, 38 Albert Road stands out as a prime example of what can be achieved with an ambitious approach to brownfield regeneration.
“We call Bristol home and are proud to be working alongside a professional delivery team to bring forward an exemplary scheme which will both support Bristol’s flood defence strategy and support the regeneration of St Philip’s Marsh.”
Andrew McLaren from Alara commented “We are delighted to be partnering with specialist Bristol developer Cubex on this exciting development at the heart of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus. The scheme’s focus on quality and sustainability will benefit the student population and wider city for years to come.”