Safer Sphere is supporting the redevelopment of the former South Plaza office block into 360 Bristol, a £100m purpose-built student accommodation scheme in the heart of Bristol. The project is transforming a 1960s office building into a modern, amenity-rich development offering over 18m in height and 370–399 high-quality student bedrooms, depending on final configuration, alongside a wide range of shared facilities.
This scheme forms part of Melburg’s long-term commitment to responsible regeneration and operational carbon neutrality, targeting EPC A, BREEAM Excellent and a 1,500% biodiversity net gain through its retrofit-led approach.
Safer Sphere supported Gateway 2 approval for this student accommodation scheme over 18m in central Bristol.
Our in-house Principal Designer team, covering both CDM and Building Safety, provided a joined-up compliance strategy and supported the design stage through to submission under the Building Safety Act 2022.
Achieving Gateway 2 approval has enabled the scheme to progress confidently into construction, marking Winvic Construction’s first development to move through the new regime.
Our role is part of our wider mission to help clients move through Gateway 2, not just around it.
Project Features
The redevelopment includes:
Fitness and wellbeing spaces including a gym, yoga studio and spin room
Communal study areas, screening room, golf simulator and café
370 secure cycle spaces with a zero-car policy
A green roof and enhanced public realm to support biodiversity
A mix of studio and cluster bedrooms
A tenth-floor accessible terrace and external amenity spaces
Melburg’s retrofit-led strategy significantly reduces embodied carbon by retaining and strengthening the existing structural frame. Additional fire safety upgrades and remedial works align the scheme with Gateway 2 and the wider requirements of the Building Safety Act.
The programme also supports social value through:
Employment and training pathways
T Level student placements
Community engagement
A Standing Tall programme pilot to support individuals experiencing homelessness into work
The project achieved Gateway 2 approval, allowing construction to commence with a robust, fully assured compliance pathway. Safer Sphere continues to support the scheme alongside Winvic, Melburg and AG South Plaza B.V as the development progresses towards completion in summer 2026.
