Manchester University submits plans for a £400m on-campus redevelopment

Unite Students has submitted a planning application to redevelop Manchester Metropolitan University’s Cambridge Halls on the All Saints Campus. The plans, filed with Manchester City Council, include replacing the current 770-bed building with 2,300 student beds across two complexes separated by a new public thoroughfare. The development will help to meet the University’s growing need for student housing while also improving the overall quality of accommodation and providing new spaces for community use along Cambridge Street as part of an investment worth almost £400m. Through a joint venture with Manchester Metropolitan University, Unite Students is seeking to redevelop the site to help ensure as many students as possible have access to high-quality, modern on-campus accommodation, including facilities like private bathrooms which are now a clear expectation of the modern student experience. Andrew Fallon, chief property officer, Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “As an ambitious University, we are committed to providing a truly modern campus here in the city centre for our students, colleagues and the community. We are delighted to be partnered with Unite Students for the redevelopment of Cambridge Halls. “This joint venture will provide much needed additional purpose-built student accommodation in Manchester, right on the doorstep of our University. The final plans we have submitted will not only enhance the quality of housing for students, but also benefit the surrounding community through new health, wellbeing and retail offerings.” Thomas Brewerton, group development director at Unite Students, said: “Following extensive local consultation and engagement, we have incorporated feedback from ward members and the community in our final plans and we are thrilled to be submitting a detailed planning application to Manchester City Council. These proposals will transform Manchester Metropolitan University’s ability to meet the accommodation needs of its students without the need for  travel to and from campus, so everyone can benefit from a world-class learning environment. It will also help to ease Manchester’s housing shortage by freeing up homes for local families.”