Fallowfield’s £400m transformation approved

Viridis Living has received reserved matters consent from Manchester City Council to allow it to proceed with the 3,300-bedroom redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s 24-acre Fallowfield Campus.

Plans to bring 3,300 modern student bedrooms and 48,500 sq ft of ancillary space for education and retail across 23 blocks will now be finalised in a detailed design and layout process after they were approved under delegated powers.

Enabling works are already underway at the site. The main construction programme is set to commence in early 2026, with a phased handover over the next four years, gradually bringing students back to the site.

The beds will be provided across five distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own identity, that will tie into a theme of Manchester’s cultural heritage, such as music, sport, and art.

Up to 80% of the rooms are to be a standard offer, while the remaining 20% will be sold at a premium.

Fallowfield’s £400m redevelopment will add 900 bedrooms to the student hotspot.

A two-storey central common area with an events and study area, supported by five separate single-storey neighbourhood hubs, will provide social spaces and amenities for tenants.

The consortium behind the plans comprises Equitix, Derwent FM, and Graham. It has worked alongside the city council, the university, and the local community to secure planning consent.

Architect Sheppard Robson has designed the scheme, and Deloitte has led the consortium through the application process.

The project team is targeting Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Modern methods of construction, such as off-site assembly and manufacturing, will help it achieve that goal.

• BOOK NOW: Place RESI 2025

Before any construction can begin, the existing buildings on the site need to be cleared, some of which date back to the 1950s and have been deemed unsuitable for modern student living.

The 20-storey Owens Park tower in the site’s northwestern corner has already been demolished.

The central hub will be the main workspace and social area for students. Credit: via planning documents

Neil McFarlane, project director at Graham, said: “The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the university.

“The engagement with the local community and our response to challenging environmental targets have resulted in a well-received planning application.

“Inclusion, accessibility, and student wellbeing are embedded throughout the scheme, making this one of the most forward-thinking student accommodation developments in the UK.”

• BOOK NOW: Place Young Things November 2025

Barra Marc Ruarí, chief property officer at the University of Manchester, said: “We are really pleased with the progress and see this as a major milestone in providing quality homes in Fallowfield with excellent student support facilities.

“This important project will deliver much-needed, high-quality, sustainable housing that keeps student wellbeing at its heart and reflects our commitment to long-term social infrastructure investment.”

Natalia Maximova, partner at Sheppard Robson, added: “The detailed proposals establish five distinct neighbourhoods, fostering a sense of belonging through varied colours, textures, and finishes.

“The new social hub and additional study areas provide a variety of spaces that encourage togetherness and help reduce stress and isolation.

“We have increased biodiversity through new green spaces and a car-free environment, helping to rebuild the student community at Fallowfield as part of one of the world’s largest Passivhaus developments.”

Consultants assisting the application include Kennedy Redford, Thompson Environmental Consultants, RPS, Landscape Projects, OFR, Envision, Buro Happold, Mosart, Cundall, and Steven Lavrant Heritage Architecture.

Those interested in the plans can view the application using the reference number 142387/MO/2025 in Manchester City Council’s planning portal.