A major new student accommodation project, set to provide more than a thousand beds, has been given the green light for the emerging Brabazon new town in South Gloucestershire.
Financing Secured for Major Development
The scheme has been unlocked after developer YTL, the Malaysian firm also behind the Bristol Arena, secured a £119 million debt facility from the financial services giant Nomura. This substantial funding will propel the construction of the student housing quarter, known as the Propeller Quarter.
Located within the wider Brabazon masterplan, which is also led by YTL Developments, the project will deliver 1,514 student beds across four separate blocks. The development is strategically positioned next to the new Brabazon railway station, offering excellent transport links. Construction is slated for completion by the autumn of 2027.
Ben Jones, Finance Director at YTL Developments, stated that this agreement marks the first step in a series of planned financial activities for Brabazon. He emphasised that Nomura's involvement highlights the institutional quality of the project and a shared vision for long-term placemaking in the region.
Addressing Bristol's Student Housing Demand
According to YTL, the development is a direct response to the rising demand for student accommodation from Bristol's two universities. The city has faced a well-documented shortage of premium student housing, a gap this new scheme aims to fill.
Tony Wang, Executive Director of Real Estate Trading for EMEA at Nomura, commented on the deal, praising YTL's proven track record in large-scale urban regeneration. He noted the Brabazon masterplan holds significant potential for urban renewal in the South West and expressed delight in helping bring the much-needed Propeller Quarter to market.
A Blueprint for Future Growth
The Brabazon new town, which officially received government backing and town status in September 2025, is designed to be the central hub of the West Innovation Arc. This corridor of connected developments stretches across South Gloucestershire, linking Brabazon in the west to the Bristol and Bath Science Park in the east.
Real estate advisors Cushman & Wakefield worked with YTL on the financing. David Gingell, Co-Head of EMEA Debt Advisory at the firm, said YTL's compelling vision for Brabazon as the South West's new epicentre was key to securing partnership with a top-tier lender like Nomura.
It is understood that the financing structure established for this student accommodation phase will act as a blueprint for future phases of the Brabazon development. The wider masterplan includes proposals for additional residential areas, commercial spaces, and retail facilities, promising a significant and lasting impact on the region's landscape.
