Manor awaits decision on student housing in Hulme

Manor Property Group has applied for full planning permission for an eight storey block of 676 student apartments at Coupland Street in Hulme, south Manchester.

The Yorkshire-based developer submitted proposals in December last year and Manchester City Council has stated a determination deadline on the application is 23 June 2011.

Bill Addy, from Manor Property Group, said: "Manor recognises the strategic importance of the Coupland Street site which is within walking distance of both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. In addition it will create an opportunity to meet the growing demand for high quality independent student accommodation in the city. We hope to be able to start on the site later this summer and be ready for occupancy from September 2013."

Manor Property Group acquired the brownfield site for £36m in January last year and regarded the scheme as the start of regeneration around a planned £100m Birley Fields campus by Manchester Metropolitan University.

Architect Carey Jones Chapmantolcher has designed the scheme, known as Manor Point, and the developer said the site is earmarked for development as part of the council's Corridor Manchester Strategic Vision.

Manor hopes its plans meet with the council's general policy which seeks to bring about the lasting regeneration of Hulme.

Colin Wilson, from The Planning Studio in Manchester, who has provided the planning and regeneration statement for the application, added: "This is a unique and exciting opportunity to deliver a major student accommodation development for this derelict site together with a significant number of jobs. It is in a prime university location and will regenerate an area that has been derelict for a number of years."

The site is located near Oxford Road and Piccadilly railway stations.

The proposals include en-suite bedrooms, shared kitchens and communal facilities. Subject to planning approval, the development will also provide a gym, laundry, and internet café, as well as 21,527 sq ft of offices with 13 car parking spaces.

Manor expects 300 construction and supplier jobs to be created during the build phase if the scheme gets the green light.