New MRP proposals set to transform Bristol site with 564 student residences, 182 apartments, including 39 affordable homes, new commercial space and a permanent home for Trojan Education and Training CIC.

Plans have been submitted by leading developer MRP to transform a site at Houlton Street in Bristol with 564 purpose-built student residences, 182 apartments and new commercial and retail space.

The proposed mixed-use development, located in the city’s Frome Gateway Growth and Regeneration area, also includes 39 affordable homes and a permanent, purpose-built base for Trojan Education and Training CIC.

Located close to Bristol city centre, major transport links and the city's universities, the development would create opportunities for people to live, study and work in a well-connected urban neighbourhood.

Bristol continues to face housing pressure, and the scheme would deliver affordable homes, alongside suitable accommodation for its substantial higher education population, helping to ease some of those pressures.

A central element of the scheme is securing long-term future at the site for Trojan Education and Training CIC, which has operated at Houlton Street since 2022 under a meanwhile-use arrangement.

Trojan has developed a significant role in the local community, with more than 1,500 people passing through its doors each week to attend various classes and services. Its work includes a food bank supporting over 50 families weekly, MMA training, counselling, welfare assistance and other community support services.

Recognising the vital role Trojan plays in supporting the local community, the proposed facility would provide long-term certainty for the organisation and allow it to continue developing its work in the local community.

Shane McBride, Development Director at MRP said: “MRP is pleased to reach this project milestone after thorough pre-submission consultation with Bristol City Council, stakeholders, and statutory bodies. Houlton Street represents an exciting opportunity to bring forward a significant mixed-use regeneration scheme in a highly accessible part of Bristol City Centre.

“Our proposals will deliver modern new residential and student accommodation, and affordable apartments, alongside commercial and retail space. This will make a meaningful contribution to Bristol’s ongoing need for new homes and student housing.

“We are also pleased that the proposals will provide a permanent home for Trojan Education and Training CIC. Its work demonstrates the importance of community support services, and we recognise the value of providing certainty for the future of the organisation as part of the site’s regeneration.”

Mario Saeed, Founder, Trojan Education and Training CIC said: “Since 2022, we have worked closely with MRP to establish Trojan at Houlton Street as a welcoming and inclusive place that provides much-needed services for the local community.

“Our training programmes have helped young people achieve remarkable success, including representing England and winning gold medals at the IMMAF World Championship. We also provide free food each week to people in need and work proactively with our students to raise awareness of crime, particularly knife crime, supported by a knife bin provided by Avon and Somerset Police.

“We welcome the submission of the planning application and the opportunity to secure a permanent home where we can continue to grow our work and support even more people.”

The planning application will now be considered through the relevant planning process.