Graham Secures £286 Million Manchester Student Accommodation Project
The University of Manchester and Unite Students have joined forces to create a transformative student accommodation project worth £286 million. This ambitious initiative aims to provide over 2,300 new student bedrooms, revolutionizing the living experience for students.
The project entails the demolition of outdated 1990s-era accommodation, making way for two state-of-the-art multi-storey buildings, each reaching up to 30 storeys. The development will be executed in two phases, offering a diverse range of living options, including cluster apartments and studios, along with well-designed internal and external amenity spaces.
This extensive student accommodation scheme will also feature ground-floor commercial spaces and a new community health centre on Cambridge Street, fostering stronger connections between the university campus and the local community.
The architectural masterpiece, designed by Cartwright Pickard, is set to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, ensuring exceptional environmental sustainability. The buildings will be constructed with highly thermally efficient materials and a comprehensive array of low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies.
Key features include air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, low-energy heat-recovery ventilation systems, and advanced intelligent building management systems. These innovative solutions will significantly reduce operational energy consumption and carbon emissions, setting a new standard for eco-friendly student housing.
Stephen Van den Hoek, regional director at Graham, revealed that construction is scheduled to commence later this year, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2029, followed by the second phase in 2030. This project promises to redefine student living in Manchester, offering a sustainable and modern living environment.
