University proposes massive revamp of Owens Park

THE University of Manchester has revealed plans to extend and redevelop its Fallowfield Campus, including 3,000 bedrooms on the Owens Park site.

Its draft Fallowfield Campus Development Framework, which has been submitted to Manchester City Council, includes a major overhaul of the 70-acre site, including the demolition of the 1960s tower block.

The proposals  include redeveloping  2,200 bedrooms on the Oxford Road/Wilmslow Road campus  and the provision of an extra 800 bedrooms, which are being lost from the university’s portfolio as a result of development of an engineering campus on Booth Street.

A spokesman for the University of Manchester said: “The regeneration of the Owens Park campus is the first phase of our overall residential estates strategy.

“The Strategic Development Framework submitted to Manchester City Council is to obtain agreement in principle to the concept. The next stage will be to develop detailed plans. In the meantime, this popular student accommodation campus will continue to be operated and maintained as usual.”

The framework document says: “It is an imperative for the university that an enhanced student experience is created at the Fallowfield Campus. Today much of the site is in poor condition and does not meet the expectations of students, or indeed their parents.”

As well as the clearance of the tower at Owens Park, two other residential halls Oak House and Ladybarn House located nearby will be cleared.