The Metalworks development — located near Bedminster station and within walking distance to Bristol’s city centre — will comprise two residential buildings offering 82 five-to-twelve bed cluster flats, as well as c. 15,000 sq ft of internal and external amenity space, including a private terrace, courtyard, and gardens.

It will also feature biodiverse green roofs to support micro-climate habitats for invertebrates, in turn providing foraging resources for birds and bats.

The scheme is targeting a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating, with district heating and photovoltaic panels incorporated into the design.

In addition, it aims to achieve a WiredScore ‘silver’ rating for excellent delivery and execution for residents through its technology-enabled experience.

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Forward funded by KKR through its European Core Plus Real Estate strategy, the scheme will be leased on a long-term nominations agreement with the University of Bristol. 

The Metalworks development is expected to reach completion in summer next year.

George Dyer, group investment director at Watkin Jones, said: “We have worked closely with both the University of Bristol and the team at KKR on the Metalworks development, which represents an exemplary PBSA scheme.

“As a thriving and vibrant city, Bristol continues to be a highly desirable location to live and study in, and we believe this great scheme will help alleviate some of the housing shortage for students.”

Seb d’Avanzo, MD and head of real estate acquisitions at KKR in Europe, commented: “It’s great to see Watkin Jones hitting this milestone in an important venture that will develop exceptional student accommodation in one of the UK’s top university cities.

“Watkin Jones is again proving to be a great delivery partner for KKR, and we’re delighted to see their innovative and sustainability-led designs for Metalworks start to become a reality.”