Urban Splash eyes ambitious 750-bed PBSA on Manchester roundabout

The possibility of delivering a high-density student housing scheme dissected by Mancunian Way is being explored by the developer.

Urban Splash has been working with architect Hodder + Partners on designs for Cambridge Circus, a purpose-built student accommodation scheme to be constructed on the Cambridge Street junction roundabout beneath the Mancunian Way flyover.

The plans are mentioned in Deloitte’s PBSA supply report, one of the documents worked up to support the development of Manchester City Council’s refreshed local plan. The report dates back to 2023 but Place North West understands discussions around the site’s redevelopment potential are ongoing.

The report states that “Hodder + Partners have undertaken a feasibility study on behalf of Urban Splash and produced a design that indicates the site could accommodate circa. 750 bedspaces within two towers of 30 and 17 storeys”.

Manchester City Council is the landowner and no development agreement has been signed to date.

The report suggests the site’s constraints, namely its size and proximity to busy roads, could make development tricky, if not impossible, to deliver.

“A key issue with this development is whether it is possible logistically to build it,” the report states.

Any scheme would have to incorporate “excellent pedestrian connections for students and for the wider public, which are safe and which represent a marked improvement on the current subways [on the site]”, according to Deloitte.

Urban Splash was contacted for comment.

A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “The [Deloitte] report is outlining potential sites as part of the local plan review to ensure there is a strong pipeline through to 2030 to meet demand – and any of the sites would be subject to consultation and the planning process.”