Moorfield Group has formed a joint venture with Tiger Developments to deliver a 204-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bristol.
Moorfield will fund the project through its latest value-add fund, Moorfield Real Estate Fund V.
The scheme will be developed and managed by the joint venture, marking the first time Moorfield and Tiger Developments have worked together.
Host, the operational business and sister company of Tiger Developments, will manage the scheme once construction is complete.
Watkin Jones was appointed as the delivery and contracting partner.
The development, valued at £60m, is part of the Temple Quarter regeneration in Bristol.
Over the next 25 years, the area is expected to deliver 10,000 new homes and 22,000 jobs across 135 hectares.
The joint venture’s scheme sits opposite the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, a £500m University of Bristol development set to accommodate 4,600 students, 650 staff and 350 partners.
The scheme will be built on a brownfield site and will include 69 ensuite clusters and 135 self-contained studios across four blocks, ranging from six to eight storeys, connected by bridge links over open courtyards.
Chapman Taylor architects have designed the development to target an energy performance certificate (EPC) A rating and BREEAM Excellent, with PV panels and a connection to the local district heating network.
Charles Ferguson-Davie, co-CEO and CIO at Moorfield, said: “MREFV has a thematic focus on Living & Storage real estate and PBSA remains a high conviction sector, where we can meet demand for best-in-class accommodation in the UK’s most structurally undersupplied markets.”
“There are many challenges facing the development sector, which now also includes the new building control submission process, and we are pleased that we have been able to form a partnership with Tiger and Watkin Jones, who are both very experienced developers.”
John Nesbitt, managing director at Host, said: “This partnership with Moorfield Group will expedite the delivery of what we believe is one of the most exciting PBSA schemes planned for any UK city.
“Bristol’s student population is predicted to increase rapidly over the next decade, and this development is much needed, particularly in the context of the emerging and neighbouring Temple Quarter Enterprise.
“Students will have a safe, stylish and professionally managed place to live in the heart of one of the most popular cities in which to study in the UK.”
Gwyn Pritchard, managing director – construction at Watkin Jones, said: “This PBSA scheme at Freestone Road is a standout project, and we’re pleased to be moving into the next phase with the main contract now signed.
“Watkin Jones is uniquely positioned to diversify in a challenging market, bringing the expertise and capability to support our partners through evolving building safety regulations.
“Once complete, this development will deliver high-quality, thoughtfully designed student accommodation — including elevated walkways — ready for the 2027 academic year.”
Pritchard added: “We’re proud to be adding another landmark to Bristol’s thriving student population, adjacent to our successful Gas Lane development.”
