Fresh plans in for long-stalled Vision Manchester site
Fusion Group has revealed its ambitions to build 826 student apartments at 10-12 Whitworth Street West, a site within spitting distance of Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop.
Tri7, now part of Fusion, acquired the site for £16m last year after the Paul Rothwell-led Vision Manchester SPV entered administration. The £125m Vision was supposed to be a 35-storey tower with 327 flats.
But Fusion opted to pivot towards student housing in their plans for the site. The 826 student apartments would be a mix of studios and cluster flats delivered across 38 storeys. There would be social lounges, study areas, a gym, a cinema, private dining rooms, and a 24-hour reception for residents.
A consultation on the group’s proposals is running through 26 September. A formal planning application is due later this year.
Within the consultation website, Fusion trumpets its plans for a sustainable development, designed by Corstorphine & Wright. The developer states that the scheme will be energy-efficient, made with sustainable materials and utilising low-carbon technologies. A BREEAM rating of Excellent is the target for this purpose-built student accommodation tower.
“Our ambition is to deliver a student living experience that reflects Manchester’s creativity, diversity, and community spirit,” said Julian Evans, development director of Fusion Group.
“We know this part of the city is known for its cultural venues and nightlife, and we’re committed to ensuring a positive relationship with our neighbours – including through sound insulation, on-site management, and sensitive design,” he continued.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible – including local residents, students and businesses – so we can work together to shape final plans that deliver real benefits for everyone who lives, works or studies nearby.”
Fusion is an established force in the student accommodation business, having delivered more than 10,000 student homes since 2006. This includes schemes in York and Liverpool.
The team Fusion has assembled for the Manchester project includes Shear Design, Amber Management and Engineering Services, Cushman & Wakefield, Rhomco, Alder King Property Consultants, and Wardell Armstrong.
Gardiner & Theobald, Helios Fire & Construction Consultancy, GIA, Montagu Evants, Hydrock, Sandy Brown, and Lexington round off the project team.
You can access the 10-12 Whitworth Street West consultation by going to whitworthstreetwestconsultation.co.uk.
