RG Real Estate unveils plans for 38-storey Manchester student tower
Charles Street Car Park will be demolished to pave the way for the 1,000-room project, the first residential development within the £1.7bn Sister masterplan.
RG Real Estate has been selected by Bruntwood SciTech and the University of Manchester to deliver student scheme on a gateway site at the former UMIST campus.
Designed by Hodder+Partners, the scheme would be located on the corner of Charles Street and Sackville Street next to the viaduct and would feature eight-, 10-, and 38-storey elements, offering 1,041 bedspaces across a mix of studios and cluster flats.
The development is located next door to another high density student proposal: IQ’s redevelopment of the Western Halls and Pendulum Hotel site which calls for 50-, 32-, 24-, and 18-storey elements.
Hodder+Partners founding director, Stephen Hodder said the project would be key to creating a welcoming gateway to the wider Sister site.
“Our design opens the streetscape, prioritising people with improved walking and cycling connections and active ground-floor uses that will bring new life to the surrounding streets, and lay the groundwork for the future reactivation of the railway arches on Altrincham Street.
“We’ve drawn inspiration from the area’s remarkable architectural heritage — including the railway arches, the designated heritage assets of Granby Row and Orient House, and the recently listed Renold Building. By combining contemporary materials with more historic features, we’ve aimed to create a building that feels distinctly contemporary while firmly rooted in Manchester’s character.”
Sam Darby, development director for Sister and Bruntwood SciTech, added: “Introducing high-quality student accommodation on the site of the old Charles Street car park will help revitalise a previously underused area and create a thriving, 24/7 neighbourhood that supports innovation, community and economic vitality.”
Hodder+Partners is leading on design. Credit: via Counter Context
Bruntwood SciTech recently received approval for the first new-build phase at Sister – more than 500,000 sq ft of workspace across two blocks.
“Our vision for Sister is about shaping a place where ideas, enterprise and education converge,” Darby added.
“The proposals for Zone H are a key step towards realising this ambition – delivering new homes for students, activating public space and enabling the next generation of talent to thrive at the heart of Manchester’s knowledge economy.”
RG Real Estate has delivered or is delivering PBSA schemes in London, Bristol, and Nottingham. The company, part of the wider RG Group, recently completed a 35-storey BTR scheme for Cortland in Birmingham.
The group also has previous in Manchester, completing Swan House for Ridgeback and building Round Hill Capital and Olympian Homes’ £165m Fairfax.
RG Real Estate’s Darren Simmons said: “We’re delighted to unveil our proposals for Charles Street. This is one of the best locations in the city for PBSA: close to campuses of both The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, with city centre amenities on the doorstep.
“There is a sustained high demand for high-quality student accommodation in this part of the city centre and our proposal will help to address the undersupply; ensuring that Manchester can continue its growth and success.
The wider project team includes Layer Studio, Deloitte, and Counter Context.
