A key milestone has been achieved for the Malago Road purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bristol, which has successfully secured Gateway 2 approval.
Designed by Falconer Chester Hall, the development will deliver 484 student beds for Watkin Jones Group, supporting the continued growth of high-quality student living within the city.
Progressing a major scheme within Temple Quarter
Located within Bristol’s Temple Quarter regeneration area, the scheme will transform a brownfield site into a vibrant student community. The development comprises a mix of studios and cluster accommodation arranged across three buildings, designed to create a balanced and engaging residential environment.
As Planning and Delivery Architect, Falconer Chester Hall has played a central role in advancing the scheme from concept through to this critical stage, ensuring a coordinated and compliant design approach aligned with the latest regulatory requirements.
Strong sustainability and performance targets
The project has been developed with ambitious sustainability goals, targeting:
- BREEAM Excellent
- EPC B rating
- WiredScore Platinum
These benchmarks reflect a commitment to delivering a future-focused, energy-efficient scheme that supports both environmental performance and resident wellbeing.
Gateway 2 milestone enables delivery
Securing Gateway 2 approval represents a significant step forward, confirming that the development meets the stringent requirements of the Building Safety Regulator and can progress into the next phase of delivery with confidence.
With construction now underway, the scheme is on track for completion ahead of the 2028 academic year, contributing to the continued expansion of purpose-built student accommodation in Bristol.
Project team
Falconer Chester Hall worked alongside a highly collaborative consultant team to achieve this milestone:
- Fulkers Bailey Russell – Principal Designer (BRPD)
- Apex – Structural & Civil Engineers
- Blues – M&E Engineers
- Orion Fire Engineering – Fire Engineers
- Turkington Martin – Landscape Architects
- Energist UK – BREEAM Consultant
- Align Building Control – Building Control Advisor
- CBRE – Façade Consultant
- Philip Dunbavin Acoustics Ltd – Acoustic Consultant
- Buro Happold – Access Consultant
- Infinite 3D – CGI Visualisation