Vita increases size of latest Manchester student scheme
Having unveiled plans for a 750-bed student tower at First Street this summer, the developer has updated the proposal, adding an extra 119 beds.
Located on the corner of Hulme Street and Medlock Street – known as plot 9b – the 33-storey Manchester development would provide 869 beds.
The scheme, designed by Tim Groom Architects, is situated close to another Vita/Groom collaboration, House of Social.
Currently under construction, the 14-storey House of Social will provide 576 student beds and a food hall on the ground floor.
Vita completed its inaugural First Street student scheme a decade ago and the plans for plot 9b would see the developer complete a hat-trick of PBSA projects at First Street, taking the number of Vita beds there to more than 1,700.
A planning application for the plot 9b scheme is expected before the end of the year.
The area around First Street is becoming something of a hub for students. There is also a PBSA element in Downing’s Square Gardens, while Greystar recently acquired a site earmarked for a 37-storey student tower off Medlock Street.
On the other side of First Street, Manner is hopeful of delivering 600 student beds where Hotspur Press currently stands, having secured planning approval earlier this year.
It is not all about PBSA at First Street though, Vita’s latest proposal would be located immediately south of the GPA’s 130,000 sq ft civil service hub, which is under construction.
Does that mean no more offices on First Street?
Also, looking at the CGI, won’t the siting of the building block First St and turn it into a cul de sac?
By ALL
Well , at least the location is right for students although they could’ve gone taller!
By Anonymous
Just call it Beijing
By Anonymous
Not quite as big as Beijing, or Shanghai but getting there slowly!
By Anonymous
Is this the new fallowfield
By Anonymous
So it’s OK for people to use your site to effectively accuse the council of being corrupt
By Not good enough
Obviously it’s not, but I viewed Polly’s comment as a question rather than an accusation and thus felt it was compliant with policy. Our comment policy prohibits any comment that can be viewed as libel. If you feel like I have misjudged in this situation, then please feel free to engage me with me further. Mistakes do happen and I never pretend to have perfect judgement. You can reach me at julia@placenorthwest.co.uk. Thanks for engaging with our comment section.
By Julia Hatmaker
This is a case where I was wrong. After more discussions with readers (thank you to those who reached out), I have removed Polly’s comment. But to answer the essence of of Polly’s question: ASK owns land. The council does not own it and has not sold it to Vita (because it does not own the land). Thank you to all the readers who contacted me about the issue, I do appreciate it.
Polly, if you would you like to discuss this further you can find my email address above.
As a note though – please do not use the comment section as the source of facts. It is a space where you are meant to discuss stories and engage with your fellow readers. I would also encourage everyone to review our comments policy as to what makes a suitable post. If your post looks like it may be potentially libellous or defamatory, it will be removed.
By Julia Hatmaker
To be completely honest, both buildings are aesthetically atrocious. Truly giving the River Street tower a run for its money, which for me generates a deep rage within me whenever I see it. Seriously, look at the tower and try to find one bit of it that wasn’t designed to be as ugly and pathetically dull as possible.
By M. I. Grant
First Street will look great once it is all built out, a really great neighbourhood and good spot for student homes. The great thing about these towers is that, if necessary, they can be converted to apartments in the future. It’s just time to remove the awful Mancunian Way/make it a large street level and tree lined boulevard rather than an elevated road!
By Timothy
Another 869 people in a walkable location, another 869 people contributing to local spend. Manchester’s growth is impressive. Will Network Rail start to look at population growth along the Victoria-Salford Central-Deansgate-Piccadilly alignment and actually sort it out?
By Density
I can identify with you, M.I.Grant.
River Street is infuriating to look at, and even more infuriating that there are no consequences for leaving such a large blot on the landscape. Why couldn’t they have at least used a dark bracket for the patch up straps?! I’m starting to prefer the old concrete frame that was there for years.
By Anonymous
So much for hoping that spot of land between the new house of social and the opposite offices would be green space.
By Anonymous