Milestone for student accommodation scheme helping revive former industrial site
A landmark stage has been reached in the construction of a purpose-built student accommodation scheme on one of the region’s largest regeneration sites.
Plot 6 of the Silverthorne Lane development in Bristol will feature just over 700 student rooms, including cluster bedrooms and studio rooms along with high-quality amenity spaces.
It forms an integral part of the 12-acre mixed-use regeneration of land off Silverthorne Lane, in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone (TQEZ).
The city’s original industrial heartland between Temple Meads railway station and the Feeder Canal, the area has mostly lain derelict for decades.
It is now being extensively regenerated and will include offices, homes, a new secondary school and sixth form college and academic and office space for the University of Bristol as well as student accommodation and public open spaces, including a new canal-side walk.
The student accommodation scheme will be split over four blocks ranging from five to 15 storeys high, with the buildings interconnected in pairs.
A landscaped external courtyard will create an important meeting place for students, with sports and games facilities along with quieter areas for relaxation.
Project stakeholders, including Bristol property development and architecture firm StudioHIVE, HG Construction, Singapore-based construction and civil engineering firm Woh Hup, property development firm Far East Orchard – also based in Singapore – and London-headquartered development manager Atlas Land, come together recently to top out the development.
David Munce, construction director at Hertfordshire-based HG Construction, said: “We are delighted to be reaching this important milestone and I would like to recognise the project team for their commitment and hard work to date.
“This is our first scheme in Bristol and we have been getting actively involved in the local community, from educational talks at schools and site visits for students, to providing support for local community centres, we are committed to making a positive impact throughout the construction of this scheme and beyond.
“We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with StudioHIVE and our project partners as the scheme progresses.”
StudioHIVE managing director Jason Collard added: “We are excited to have reached such an important milestone in the development of this quality student offering in central Bristol.
“With a high proportion – around 30% – of the accommodation being studio flats and the remainder smaller clusters limited to eight rooms, along with facilities including a cinema room, gym and sports facilities, the scheme will offer students a premium experience right in the heart of the city.”
StudioHIVE is working in partnership with Far East Orchard, Woh Hup and Atlas Land, who acquired the site in June 2022 as part of the wider Silverthorne Lane masterplan.
The scheme, which will be close to the University of Bristol’s new Enterprise Campus behind Temple Meads station, is expected to complete next year.
