iQ Student Accommodation is set to receive planning approval from Manchester City Council for its 1,224-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme on Echo Street in the city.
The proposed development includes three interlinked towers of 27, 21 and 16 storeys, with link buildings of 15 and 11 storeys.
iQ acquired the 1.2-acre site in 2015, at which time it was occupied by Chandos Hall, a 16-storey PBSA building built in 1962, and the Echoes Day Nursery.
It was closed due to its deteriorating condition was closed in 2016/17.
The developer previously acquired planning permission in 2018 for a mixed-use development comprising three towers of 25, 20 and 14 storeys to house 403 co-living homes and 94 PBSA beds, with ground-floor commercial space and a day nursery.
The planning application for the site submitted by Turley said the change in plans was “a commercial decision, informed by prevailing market conditions, and in response to the significant need and demand for high-quality PBSA within Manchester”.
The current application includes the development of a mix of student beds such as studios, clusters and 196 affordable student beds.
iQ’s scheme also includes student amenities such as a reception and welcome area, a social and games area, a wellness area, group and individual focus areas and laundry facilities.
The scheme is located in the Corridor Manchester – the strategic regeneration framework area which covers the University campuses around Oxford Road. It is also in close proximity to Manchester Metropolitan University.
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