The Building Safety Regulator (BSAR) has granted Gateway 2 approval for Watkin Jones鈥� 201-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Freestone Road in Bristol鈥檚 Temple Quarter.
The Freestone Yards聽scheme is being delivered for a joint venture of real estate fund manager Moorfield Group and Tiger Developments. Host has been appointed to manage the 201-bed scheme on completion, with Watkin Jones appointed as the development partner.
The Freestone Road scheme, previously announced in September 2025, will transform a brownfield site into an development of four blocks housing 65 ensuite clusters and 136 self-contained studios. The project is targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and is expected to complete in summer 2027.
The development is directly opposite the new Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, a 拢500m development from the University of Bristol and part of the wider Temple Quarter regeneration.
Watkin Jones managing director Gwyn Pritchard said: 鈥淎chieving Gateway 2 approval for our PBSA scheme on Freestone Road demonstrates our expertise in driving projects forward while maintaining our focus on excellence in construction delivery. The development highlights our ability to meet market demand with innovative, high-standard builds that benefit communities and stakeholders alike.鈥�
Moorfield head of asset management Hugh Canham added: 鈥淲e are pleased to have achieved Gateway 2 approval, which has been the result of a great deal of work from the entire project team. Working with experienced delivery partners with a proven track record, such as Watkin Jones and Tiger Developments, is central to our UK Living sector strategy. Our conviction remains that purpose-built high-quality assets will command a scarcity premium amongst both investors and consumers as new supply is constrained by ongoing regulatory and viability challenges.鈥澛犅�
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