Plans to build a student accommodation block on an unused part of a Stoke Gifford retail park have been revealed by Canada Life Asset Management, in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE).
The proposed building, ranging from five to nine storeys high, would be built on the footprint of the uncovered garden centre of the former B&Q superstore at Filton Retail Park, off Fox Den Road. It would also take in some of the car park at the site, which lies within the Stoke Gifford District Centre.
Located close to UWE’s Frenchay campus, the proposed development, provisionally known as ‘The Den, Stoke Gifford’, is for 329 student bedrooms. The building would be 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”, says the developer.
The B&Q superstore, which originally occupied the whole of the retail park, ceased trading in June 2016. Since then, the building has been divided into smaller units that have been taken by DW Fitness (now Everlast), The Range, Lidl and Poundstretcher (later Bargain Buys but since closed). However, the former garden centre section, located closest to the A4174 Ring Road has remained unused.
The existing car parking spaces that will be taken up by the new development are deemed “surplus” to the needs of the retail units at the site.
No parking will be provided for students, however there will be some limited parking provided for staff and disabled users together with secure cycle parking for over 145 bicycles, and a further 15 Sheffield-stand spaces to the west of the building. The developers say this is “in-line with the parking strategy for most urban purpose-built student accommodation buildings”.
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 developers say the site will be “highly sustainable”, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ as a minimum, and “aspiring to be net zero carbon in operation”.
Further information about the proposals is now available to view online at:
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.
Developer’s anticipated timeline
- End of March 2023: Planning application submitted to South Gloucestershire Council
- July 2023: Expected planning determination
- September 2023: Construction contract awarded
- September 2025: Student accommodation expected to open
