Plans emerge for PBSA-led Octagon House redevelopment

Architect Hodder + Partners is drawing up proposals for around 700 homes on the three-acre plot on the corner of Hathersage Road and Carmoor Road in Manchester.

Landowner Richard Everton wants to redevelop the Ardwick site into a residential-led scheme featuring four blocks, including the retention of the 100,000 sq ft Octagon House.

Octagon House, located next to Victoria Baths, was previously the headquarters of electricity provider Norweb and is now home to the NHS Renal Services centre. It is anticipated that the service will remain in-situ as part of the redevelopment.

Following early feasibility studies, it is estimated the site could accommodate 693 homes split between 456 student units and 239 “core services worker units”, according to the project team.

A spokesperson for the project said: “Octagon House is an opportunity to create a more active, better used, and more positive part of this neighbourhood.

“As we begin the planning process, we want to work openly with local people to shape proposals that support a genuine mix of residents, both core services workers and students, help foster a year-round community and deliver practical regeneration with visible benefits for both existing residents and the wider area.”

A consultation website has been set up to give interested parties the chance to have their say on the plans.

Subject to planning approval, it is anticipated work could begin next summer and complete by August 2029.

Turley is advising Richard Everton on planning matters. Layer Studio is the landscape architect, Ridge is the structural engineer, Warrington Martin is the PM, and Keeble Brown is leading on the public consultation.

There is precedent for development of this type in the immediate vicinity. In 2024, Empiric Student Property secured consent for Victoria Point, a student accommodation development down the road from Octagon House.

Through extensions and new-build elements, the number of beds at Victoria Point would increase by 310, reaching 876 bed spaces across 694 units.