Unite Students has awarded the build contract to RG Group for a new 600-bed development at the heart of Bristol’s biggest ever regeneration project.

The £75m Marsh Mills scheme will be constructed adjacent to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus and a lease agreement is in place with the Russell Group university for at least half of the rooms.

The property has planning permission for 596 beds and will open in time for the 2025/26 academic year.

The building’s operational energy consumption has been reduced through a ‘fabric first’ approach. Energy efficiency has been considered during design and build phase through to the manufacturing of materials and their transportation to the site, as well as their installation and use throughout the operational lifecycle of the building. Air source heat pumps and solar panels will also be installed.

Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said: “Bristol is where it all began for Unite Students and this new property is in a vitally important scheme for students in the city. Marsh Mills will be built alongside the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus plus the city’s Temple Meads train station.

“This development is further evidence of Unite Students’ commitment to delivering new supply of high-quality student accommodation in cities where it is needed most.

“Marsh Mills will have a low-carbon impact on the environment and will be built and open in time for the start of 2025/6 academic year, adding to our portfolio in the city and contributing to the much-needed regeneration of the Temple Quarter and St Philip’s Marsh area of the city.”