UPP, the UK’s leading provider of on‑campus student accommodation infrastructure, has been selected as Preferred Bidder to deliver a major new purpose‑built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme for the University of Bristol, comprising three buildings and 890 high‑quality student bedrooms at the University’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in central Bristol.
The development will support the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, the flagship project for one of the UK’s most significant city-centre development programmes.
UPP is working alongside Watkin Jones as the delivery partner on the scheme, with Cushman & Wakefield advising the University of Bristol on the process.
The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, opening in 2026, will deliver state‑of‑the‑art teaching facilities, research labs and collaborative workspace for around students, staff and enterprise partners.
The Temple Island PBSA is set to become one of the principal student accommodation sites for the University of Bristol within the Temple Quarter area, serving mainly postgraduate students who typically come to study at the University for one year.
Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, the development will feature 1,143 sq m of high‑quality amenity space, including a range of flexible study areas and social spaces to support student living.
The development will target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and an EPC ‘A’ rating, reflecting the University’s and UPP’s shared commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and high‑performing, 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 of 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 progress the scheme through design and towards financial close, with the accommodation scheduled to open in 2030. The University of Bristol will enter into a long-term nominations’ agreement, with UPP responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the buildings.
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.’
Elaine Hewitt, CEO, UPP
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.
Craig Nowell, Chief Property Officer at the University of Bristol
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 area.
Alex Pease, CEO at Watkin Jones
