Kingfisher Court which is being developed by Canada Life Asset Management in partnership with the University of West England, Bristol (UWE) is being built by Bowmer + Kirkland who hosted a topping out ceremony on the roof to acknowledge construction reaching the half-way stage.

Invited guests included members of Bowmer + Kirkland’s supply chain who have contributed to getting the building to this stage and representatives of the client team and consultants.

Designed by architects Stride Treglown, the purpose-built accommodation is located close to UWE’s Frenchay campus and will provide 330 student bedrooms; rising from five storeys to nine storeys in a spiralling pattern the accommodation is arranged around a central courtyard, which includes communal and study spaces and will be a stand-out building just north of the city.

Not only will Kingfisher Court improve the lives of the students who live there, it is also helping to boost the local economy during construction as Bowmer + Kirkland and the team have so far delivered:

• £2.6 million of social value

• 155 local people (within 20 miles radius) employed on the project – 34% of the workforce

• Seven apprentices and two T-Level students

• £2.1 million spent with suppliers within a 20-mile radius

• Approximately £9,000 of community support – including £7,000 raised for Bristol

• Children’s Hospital, 33 volunteering hours and 62 school engagement hours.

Bowmer + Kirkland’s Western Area Construction Manager, Alex Reynolds, said: “We are proud to have reached this topping out milestone, which is a testament to the culmination of the collaborative efforts of the client, design, and construction teams. The development of Kingfisher Court represents a significant step forward in creating a dynamic and sustainable living environment for students in the area. The location of this development, in such close proximity to the UWE Frenchay campus, will offer students a vibrant area in which to live, with excellent links into Bristol and the surrounding areas. At Bowmer + Kirkland we are passionate about building inspiring spaces that empower learning and enrich the university experience. We look forward to heading towards the completion stage of this project next year.”

Robin James, Head of UK Property, Canada Life Asset Management, added: “The topping out milestone signifies the tremendous progress we have made at Kingfisher Court and we are grateful to everyone involved in the project for their commitment to get us here today. Bristol is one of the most sought-after student cities in the country, and this property will provide students with the high-quality, well-located accommodation they need.”

William Liew, UWE Chief Financial Officer, said, “Kingfisher Court is a pivotal development for UWE, and we are thrilled to see it reach this significant halfway stage. This high-quality, sustainable student accommodation will not only provide our students with an exceptional and vibrant living environment right on our doorstep, but it also aligns perfectly with UWE's commitment to environmental responsibility. The significant social value generated—including local employment and supplier engagement—truly underscores our dedication to partnering with organisations that prioritise responsible investment and deliver tangible benefits beyond financial returns. We eagerly anticipate welcoming students to this landmark building next year, offering them a truly inspiring space to live, learn, and thrive.”

The central landscaped courtyard area is designed to act as the social heart of the scheme and provide outdoor recreational space. The plans also include planting and soft landscaping in pursuit of creating habitats for local wildlife to help achieve Biodiversity Net Gain.

The development aims to be highly sustainable, targeting EPC A, WiredScore Platinum and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ as a minimum. Kingfisher Court is due to be completed in early summer 2026.