‘True co-living’ concept Oppidan fully let

Manchester city centre’s first ‘true co-living’ scheme is now fully let.

Oppidan is a concept designed for city dwellers who want to share and create a new social experience.

The first Oppidan residency, based on Swan Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, boasts 15 units, all of which are now taken.

Colin Shenton, who brought the pay-per-minute co-working Ziferblat to the UK, is behind Oppidan and says plans are in place to open more Oppidans in Manchester – and in other Northern cities.

“Our first Oppidan has been a success story so far and we are looking forward to expanding the concept,” said Colin.

“The Swan Street Oppidan, situated on the corner of Oldham Street, was fully tenanted just three weeks after launching and tenants are actively making the concept work for them.

“Of the people who are co-living in Oppidan there are six different nationalities and there is an even gender balance.

“There’s also a combination of professionals and international students with the age demographic ranging from 18 to 55.”

Tenants of Oppidan pay a single fixed monthly rent which includes their private apartment, all utilities, super-fast Wi-Fi, food essentials, living supplies, cleaning and maintenance, four hours of free car hire per month, community events and a range of lifestyle benefits arranged by a dedicated house manager.

Oppidan tenants are also given unlimited use of all Ziferblats across the UK with a Clockwork membership.

Colin said expansion announcements in Manchester are impending, while plans are in place to launch Oppidan residencies in Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield.

“With Oppidan, development, funding, refurbishment, construction and management is all in house,” said Colin.

“If you are 18 or 80, it doesn’t matter. It’s about people and diversity as that’s what we know makes a true co-living environment.

“Urban loneliness is also something I feel passionately about and Oppidan is helping to combat what has been a rising problem for some time, particularly in London, but in Manchester also.

“People still need people, arguably more than ever, and Oppidan Swan Street is addressing this societal issue by allowing tenants to rent a private apartment while also giving them access to the shared spaces that exist inside.”

Oppidan Swan Street runs a calendar of events for people who want to take part, including yoga classes, board game evenings and beer and pizza nights.