Cubex secures Gateway 2 approval for Temple Reach PBSA scheme in Bristol
Cubex has secured Building Safety Act Gateway 2 approval for Temple Reach, its landmark purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Bristol’s Temple Quarter, enabling the scheme to progress into full construction and significantly de-risking the project from a delivery and regulatory perspective.
The approval marks a major milestone for the scheme, which will deliver over 530 student homes alongside new public realm, affordable workspace and enhanced pedestrian connectivity in one of Bristol’s most strategically important regeneration locations.
Located on Albert Road, a two-minute walk from the University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and adjacent to the emerging Temple Island district, Temple Reach occupies a highly attractive position within a supply-constrained student market underpinned by strong demand fundamentals.
The scheme has been designed to deliver long-term income durability through high-quality accommodation, generous shared amenity and strong placemaking credentials. A new east–west pedestrian route through the site will enhance connectivity and footfall, while high-quality public realm, including boulevard gardens and rain gardens, supports both the resident experience and the wider local environment. Flexible commercial and affordable workspace at ground level further diversifies income potential.
Architectural design by Corstorphine & Wright draws on Bristol’s Pennant stone and Byzantine architectural heritage, reinterpreted through a contemporary, robust material palette designed for longevity and operational performance. Sustainability and resilience are central to the investment proposition, with active flood mitigation, green infrastructure and an energy-efficient building envelope designed to reduce long-term operational costs and carbon impact.
Construction is being delivered by Bowmer + Kirkland, providing cost certainty and delivery confidence, with the main build now ready to progress following Gateway 2 approval. The scheme is targeting completion ahead of the 2029 academic year.
Cubex will be engaging with forward-funding investors and joint venture partners in the coming weeks, exploring opportunities to align long-term institutional capital with the delivery of a high-quality PBSA asset in a prime UK city.
Commenting on the milestone, 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.”
Temple Reach forms part of Cubex’s growing portfolio of residential, logistics and mixed-use developments, underpinned by an ESG-led approach and a focus on delivering institutional-grade assets with long-term value.