UPP has been named Preferred Bidder for a major purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project for the University of Bristol at the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in central Bristol. The scheme will deliver three buildings containing 890 student bedrooms. UPP is partnering with Watkin Jones as delivery partner, while Cushman & Wakefield is advising the University of Bristol on the process.

The project will underpin the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, a flagship element of one of the UK's most significant city-centre regeneration programmes.

Set to open in 2026, the new campus will provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities, research laboratories and collaborative workspace for students, staff and enterprise partners.

The Temple Island PBSA is expected to become one of the University's key accommodation hubs within the Temple Quarter area, serving mainly postgraduate students who typically study for one year.

Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, the development includes 1,143 sq m of high-quality amenity space, with flexible study areas and social spaces to support student life.

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The scheme targets BREEAM 'Excellent' and an EPC 'A' rating, reflecting a shared commitment by the University and UPP to sustainability, energy efficiency and future-ready buildings.

UPP is the UK's only multi-discipline, full-service Design, Build, Fund and Operate (DBFO) company dedicated solely to the higher education sector. With over 25 years' experience and more than £3.8bn invested, the company has a strong track record of delivering next-generation campuses at scale.

UPP will now work closely with the University to develop the design to financial close, with the accommodation scheduled to open in 2030. The University of Bristol will enter into a long-term nominations agreement, and UPP will manage day-to-day operations of the buildings.

Elaine Hewitt, CEO, UPP said: "UPP is delighted to progress this exciting new development with the University of Bristol.

Drawing on decades of experience in providing high-quality, sustainable student accommodation, we look forward to working with the University to enhance the student experience and create an outstanding home for the Temple Quarter student community.''

Craig Nowell, Chief Property Officer at the University of Bristol, said: "This will be a flagship student residence situated right next to the University's Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus which itself is opening to students in September this year. This new accommodation is an integral part of the University's commitment to this previously neglected area of the city and will be part of the wider regeneration of the Temple Island area, providing a high-quality home for our students for many years to come. We look forward to working with UPP to deliver this significant project."

Alex Pease, CEO at Watkin Jones, said: "Watkin Jones is pleased to be the preferred development partner for the University of Bristol and UPP on this landmark project, supporting the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and the wider regeneration of the Temple Island area."