Watkin Jones has been granted planning permission for the development of Plot 1 Bedminster Green, the former Pring & Hill site.

A resolution to grant planning permission for Plot 1 was made by Bristol City Council’s Development Control Committee in June 2024 and on 2nd May 2025 the project was granted planning permission. Read the decision notice here.

The development, to be delivered by Watkin Jones, comprises of 484 student bed spaces across three buildings from five to ten storeys. The site will house University of Bristol students in a mix of studios and 5-12 bed cluster flats.

In line with Bristol’s ambitious goals to tackle the climate emergency, this site will be connected to the city’s low-carbon District Heat Network, ensuring the homes are provided with a reliable and low carbon source of heat.

The lighting strategy will be sensitive to nocturnal wildlife and the roof will be specially designed to promote biodiversity through planting and design. The proposals include public and communal open space and 32 new trees.

The new student population will be within easy reach of Victoria Park, Bedminster station, and East Street. They will also be within walking or wheeling distance from North Street, the city centre and Temple Meads station. The central location will enable and encourage the new residents of Bedminster Green to live active and low carbon lifestyles and discourage car ownership.

This site, along with Plots 3 and 5, will help deliver the wider River Restoration project. The project involves opening up the River Malago which currently runs through Plots 1, 3 and 5, mainly underground or out of sight. The project is being delivered by Bristol City Council to improve flood resilience, increase biodiversity and improve public space, complete with amphitheatre seating and a boardwalk for visitors to enjoy. Find out more about the River Restoration project.

Ben Wrighton, Head of Planning & Development at Watkin Jones commented: “This project marks our latest in a series of investments in the city in recent years, and our second development within the Bedminster regeneration area. We’ve worked closely with the Council and local community to ensure the proposals are well integrated in design and deliver strong socio-economic and environmental benefits.”