Olympian Homes Secures Funding and Approvals for Bristol's Tallest Tower

Olympian Homes has successfully secured crucial funding and cleared a significant regulatory hurdle, paving the way for the construction of Bristol’s tallest building. The development, a partnership with Cain, will feature two towers, one rising to 28 storeys for student accommodation and an 18-storey building for co-living units. This milestone marks a significant step forward for Olympian’s growth strategy in a challenging market.

Key Takeaways

Funding secured from Cain International and Apollo.
Gateway 2 approval obtained, enabling immediate construction.
Project completion targeted for mid-2028, ready for the 28/29 academic year.
The development will include 442 student beds and 150 co-living units.

Project Details and Timeline

The ambitious project involves the construction of two towers. The taller, 28-storey block will house 442 student bedrooms, while a separate 18-storey building will offer 150 co-living units. RG Group is set to deliver the construction, with completion anticipated by mid-2028, in time for the 2028/29 academic year.

Regulatory Approval and Collaboration

A major step forward was the approval of Gateway 2, achieved through a highly collaborative process. Olympian Homes worked closely with the Building Safety Regulator’s innovation unit, which significantly accelerated the application timeline. Richard Goodwin, construction director at Olympian, highlighted the efficiency, stating the process was completed in just 14 weeks, a testament to the strong working relationship among the project team.

Amenities and Affordable Housing

Beyond accommodation, the development will feature approximately 15,000 sq. ft of amenity space. This includes facilities such as a cinema room, fitness suite, study areas, a games room, and group dining facilities. Of the 132 co-living homes planned, 20% will be designated as affordable, with rents aligned with local housing allowance rates.

Olympian Homes’ Strategic Growth

Olympian chairman Mark Slatter commented on the company’s continued progress, emphasizing that Olympian Homes is advancing its growth strategy despite a challenging market. The company remains focused on acquiring and redeveloping high-quality urban sites, with this Bristol project representing a significant addition to its portfolio of over 2 million sq. ft of ‘in construction’ deals.