New purpose-built student accommodation proposed for Filton Retail Park

Plans for new purpose-built student accommodation are being brought forward by Canada Life Asset Management, in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE).

Located close to UWE’s Frenchay campus, the proposed development is for 329 student bedrooms. The building rises from five storeys in the east to nine storeys in the south-west corner, arranged around a central courtyard, which includes student communal and study spaces.

The landscaped courtyard will act as the social heart of the scheme and provide outdoor recreational space. Planting and soft landscaping will also create habitats for local wildlife to help to achieve Biodiversity Net Gain.

The development will be located on the vacant land that was previously the garden centre operated by B&Q, which ceased trading there in 2016, together with surplus car parking for the retail park.

James Ogborne of Canada Life Asset Management said: “Filton Retail Park is an ideal and sustainable location for UWE students. As well as being just a short walk from the Frenchay Campus, it will provide a route onto the shared pedestrian/cycle route and is well served by public transport, with bus stops and train stations close by.”

William Liew, UWE Chief Financial Officer, said: “UWE aims to provide accommodation to all new students who request it. In order to achieve this aim we need to deliver in excess of 3,000 bed spaces to help fulfil our current shortfall. These additional beds are being commissioned in four phases and Filton Retail Park is a key part of this.”

The development will be highly sustainable, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ as a minimum, and aspiring to be net zero carbon in operation.

Information about the proposals is now available to view online. Following public engagement with neighbours and stakeholders, the scheme will be prepared for planning and a planning application will be submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.