The Building Safety Regulator has cleared the first phase of the 2,302-bed student accommodation scheme, allowing structural groundworks to begin following the completion of demolition.
The project will replace Manchester Met’s former 770-bed Cambridge Halls complex with a new series of buildings rising to 30 storeys.
Unite Students is delivering the development through a long-term joint venture with the university. Manchester Met has taken a 30% stake in the partnership and contributed the site.
The scheme will be delivered in two phases. The first phase will provide 1,101 beds and is due to open for the start of the 2029/30 academic year.
The second phase will add a further 1,201 beds and is scheduled to open a year later.
Designed by Cartwright Pickard, the development will provide a mix of cluster flats, studios and postgraduate accommodation.
The scheme will also include communal kitchens, dining areas, rooftop exercise space and sports facilities to support students across the new accommodation.
The buildings are targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. They will use air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, heat-recovery ventilation and intelligent building management systems to reduce operational energy use.
The redevelopment forms part of Manchester Met’s wider campus investment programme for its 44,000 students. The programme also includes plans for a new digitally enabled library.
Unite Students group development director Tom Brewerton said: “We began the demolition of the former Cambridge Halls accommodation just seven months after agreeing the joint venture framework and are pleased to be able to move to the next phase of development.”
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