The JV has acquired the Print Hall (pictured above) and Unity Street residences from a UK pension fund, with HSBC providing bank debt for the purchase. 

Print Hall

The properties — which are adjacent student residences with a combined 500 beds, offering both studios and single en-suite bedrooms within cluster apartments — will be operated by GSA.

Print Hall and Unity Street are also in close proximity to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, which is anticipated to be home to 3,500 students and 800 staff when it opens in 2023.

Print Hall

“This transaction expands GSA’s footprint in Bristol to support the city’s strong and growing student market,” said James Hunt, managing director of real estate at GSA.

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“We are now home to over 800 of the University of Bristol’s students, and I am delighted to strengthen our existing ties with the university, one of the UK’s leading academic institutions. 

“Harrison Street is a valued and longstanding partner, and we are very pleased to be working with them on another transaction. 

“Our investment will provide significant benefits for all of our stakeholders as we continue to develop our portfolio of tier-one assets in key locations.”

Rob Mathias, partner and head of international business for Harrison Street, added: “This transaction is consistent with Harrison Street’s approach of investing in high-quality PBSA assets in strong European markets.  

“We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with GSA — a best-in-class operator in the PBSA sector — to ensure Bristol remains a top destination for students across the UK and broader continent. 

“Finally, we look forward to partnering with the University of Bristol to provide high-quality student accommodations that will enhance the university experience for its students.”

GSA and Harrison Street began their partnership in December 2015 and have since acquired 27 properties, accounting for over 8,600 beds across the UK, Ireland and Spain.