Developer and manager of residential for rent – Watkin Jones – tops out at the Gas Lane PBSA scheme in Bristol, signalling that the concrete framework is now complete.
This marks a significant milestone for all parties, including Watkin Jones, Hines, who acquired the development on behalf of the Hines European Property Partners Fund (‘HEPP’), Bristol City Council and the subcontractors.
“We are pleased to announce the successful topping-out of our PBSA project at Gas Lane in Bristol in conjunction with our partner, HEPP.
“This milestone signifies the substantial progress achieved to date and this is thanks to the dedication and efficiency of our construction team. This celebration reflects our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes for students in Bristol, a leading UK city of choice for further education. We look forward to completing the project and handing over the property in time for the 2025/2026 academic year.”
Gwyn Pritchard, Managing Director – Construction, Watkin Jones
The Gas Lane PBSA scheme will deliver 219 ensuite cluster bedrooms and 41 self-contained studios. Amenities include a communal lounge and landscaped roof terrace, and residents can make use of the 84 dedicated bicycle parking spaces.
Forward funded by global real estate investment, development and property manager, HEPP, the Gas Lane development is targeting BREEAM Excellent and WiredScore Silver certifications.
“We are delighted with the progress so far and look forward to Gas Lane being delivered ready to welcome students for the 2025/26 academic year.”
Jurrien de Koning, Managing Director, Hines
Supporting Watkin Jones’ ESG credentials, a minimum of 80% of non-hazardous and demolition waste produced during the construction of the Gas Lane development will be either reused or recycled.
The scheme will also include biodiverse roof areas, bird and bat boxes, and wildlife-friendly landscaping and planting.
Future residents will benefit from the scheme’s location, adjacent to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and within a ten minute walk to local amenities including Castle Park, Cabot Circus and The Galleries Shopping Centre. They offer a range of shops, restaurants, bars, pubs, gyms, and green spaces.
In under half a mile, residents can also reach main Bristol train station, which provides links to London Paddington and Oxford in around 90 minutes and to Bath in 10 minutes.
Expected to complete in time for the 2025/2026 academic year, Gas Lane will be managed by HEPP’s full-service student platform – Aparto.
Launched in Q2 2022, HEPP is a diversified open-ended real estate core-plus fund focused on key European markets. It seeks to acquire and develop sustainable assets across a range of sectors.
