Homes for Students has announced the appointment of Josh Picton as General Manager at Timber Yard, the highly anticipated new purpose-built student accommodation development currently under construction in Bristol.
Josh will oversee the mobilisation and future operation of Timber Yard, working closely with Studio Hive, the project’s property developers, throughout the build phase. As part of this collaborative approach, Josh will be based within Studio Hive’s offices three days a week, ensuring alignment between development, delivery and the future student experience.
Employed by Homes for Students and reporting into the Aurum UK portfolio, Josh will ultimately be responsible for the safe, secure and compliant operation of the entire scheme. His role spans everything from developing a robust and engaging student experience programme for the academic year, to overseeing safety, compliance and the swift resolution of any operational challenges as they arise. All of this will be done with the support of HfS's comprehensive central services team.
Josh brings a hands-on, people-first approach to student accommodation. “I like to be present,” he says. “Getting to know the people who live with us, bringing calm and reassurance, and creating an environment where students can truly thrive is at the heart of what I do.”
The appointment comes at a key stage for Timber Yard, a landmark development set to redefine student living in Bristol. Designed with student wellbeing, community and convenience in mind, Timber Yard is less than a 10-minute walk from the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.
Offering a carefully considered mix of social, study and relaxation spaces including waterfront-inspired courtyard areas, quiet study corners and spaces to unwind with friends, the scheme has been designed to support every aspect of student life.
“Timber Yard isn’t just another development appearing on the Bristol landscape,” Josh adds. “It’s one of the most thoughtfully designed schemes I’ve seen – bringing together everything students need to succeed, with an incredible location that truly puts the city on their doorstep.”
Josh’s passion for student accommodation is rooted in personal experience. Having lived through both the best and most challenging aspects of student life himself, he brings valuable insight into what really matters to residents. Based in Clevedon, he proudly champions Bristol as a creative, vibrant city and is committed to ensuring Timber Yard reflects that spirit.
His career journey began in retail before he transitioned into student accommodation, applying transferable skills in customer service, leadership and operations. Josh spent four years mobilising a student property during the COVID period and was recognised as Homes for Students’ first-ever Employee of the Year. He later worked client-side with Studio Hive as part of his professional development, an experience he describes as “incredibly valuable” and one that strengthens his collaborative approach on Timber Yard.
Reflecting on his role, Josh says: “Knowing that I’ve played even a small part in thousands of students’ academic journeys is hugely rewarding. To continue influencing those stories in a positive way, especially on a development as special as Timber Yard, is something I’m genuinely proud of.”
Timber Yard is set to become a standout addition to Bristol’s student accommodation offering, with Josh’s appointment reinforcing Homes for Students’ commitment to delivering exceptional living experiences from day one.
Opening in Summer 2026 Timber Yard offers quality accommodation with double beds as standard and large format windows. With 25 different amenity spaces, a roof-top terrace, canal side location and far-reaching views, it offers the best of all worlds.
To find out more and register your interest visit Timber Yard - Premium Student Accommodation in Bristol
