University pushes ahead with UMIST student village
THE University of Manchester is pushing ahead with plans to create a student village on the site of the former UMIST campus south of the city centre.
It has published a tender document seeking a developer to build accommodation for 2,000 students on the site of the Faraday buildings in Sackville Street.
The plans follow the publication of the university’s estate strategy in October which signalled a sell-off of land and buildings north of the Mancunian way as it seeks to consolidate teaching around Oxford Road.
The university is looking to sell a 125-year leasehold interest in the two Faraday sites which sit either side of Sackville Street close to the Mancunian Way.
It is keen to transfer the construction and operational risk but is considering an income guarantee on a around a quarter of the bedrooms, for up to 15 years.
“It is anticipated that the total number of bedrooms with the benefit of the guarantee and the duration of the occupancy agreement will be identified during the dialogue phase,” states the document.
“It is currently envisaged that the successful partner will be responsible for delivering all on site management, cleaning, security, grounds maintenance, building maintenance and life cycle management. The successful partner will also be required to share in the responsibility for providing pastoral care to students occupying accommodation under the University guarantee.”
The Faraday buildings were built in 1967 and inherited by the university following its 2004 merger with UMIST. They were designed by Harry Fairhurst, of the Manchester firm of HS Fairhust & Son and housed the school of chemistry.
The building features a mural by Hans Tisdall titled The Alchemist’s Elements which is celebrated by the 20th Century Society and the Manchester Modernist Society.
