Decision follows planning approval for Cubex’s Temple Reach

Cubex has secured Gateway 2 approval for its student accommodation project in Bristol.

Called Temple Reach, the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme comprises 530 student beds across a 22-storey building in Bristol’s Temple Quarter. The clearance follows planning approval for the £150m project last year.

Designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, initial construction of the scheme is already under way by Bowmer + Kirkland, with full works to progress. Temple Reach is scheduled to complete in time for the 2029/30 academic year.

Cubex has partnered with Alara Investments for the development, which will be built on a brownfield site in St Philip’s Marsh. The joint venture purchased the site at 35 Albert Road in 2024.

The developer plans to engage with forward-funding investors and joint venture partners in the coming weeks, to secure long-term institutional investment for a high-quality PBSA asset in a UK city.

William Tomlinson, development director at Cubex, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval is a major achievement for Temple Reach and reflects the quality, rigour and collaboration behind the scheme. From the outset, our focus has been on delivering a safe, sustainable and well-considered building that contributes positively to Bristol’s evolving cityscape.”

“Temple Reach is about more than delivering much-needed student accommodation – it is about creating new connections, high-quality public space and a development that reflects our commitment to building with purpose, sensitivity and integrity.”