The University of Manchester has submitted a reserved matters planning application for the redevelopment of the Fallowfield Campus.
The application, which builds on the outline planning permission granted in January 2024, sets out detailed proposals relating to the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the scheme, which covers Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall.
The plans include the creation of 3,300 student bed spaces in addition to dedicated amenity space, ancillary residential dwellings and green spaces across five distinct neighbourhoods.
The project is being delivered by the Viridis Consortium – a partnership consisting of GRAHAM, Equitix and Derwent FM – and enabling works are already progressing in preparation for the main construction programme, which will commence in 2026.
The phased handover of buildings will allow students to move into their new homes at different points from 2027 through to 2030.
Dr Simon Merrywest, director for the student experience at the University of Manchester, said: “This is an important milestone in realising our vision for the Fallowfield Campus. The plans and proposals within the reserved matters application reinforce our commitment to providing new and returning students with modern, high-quality accommodation, and will help us to meet the future needs of our student population.”
Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM project director for the Fallowfield Campus, added: “The planning submission is a further important milestone for the Fallowfield Campus project. It is the culmination of months of challenging work and an intensive programme of engagement with the university, staff, students and the local community. We believe the submitted plans will create an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the university’s next generation of students.”
Natalia Maximova, associate partner at Sheppard Robson Architects, which has managed the design process for the project, said: “Our designs are inspired by the site’s layers of history and its unique character, providing high-quality student homes and amenities in a rich parkland setting. The proposals rebuild the student community at Fallowfield and create a new generation of sustainable student homes.”
Tristan Meredith, development director at Equitix, added: “Equitix is committed to delivering best in class solutions with a core focus on sustainability. The submitted plans demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development while providing a world-class living experience for the University of Manchester’s future students.”
