University of Manchester unveils plans for major campus upgrade
The University of Manchester has unveiled the next phase of its plans to provide more modern student accommodation on the Fallowfield campus.
A major redevelopment on part of the Fallowfield site covering Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall is being proposed.
The university is progressing an outline planning application which would replace existing bedspaces with up to 3,300 new bedspaces.
This would result in up to 5,400 beds across the Fallowfield campus.
The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases and includes the demolition of Owens Park Tower which has been closed for several years. The work does not affect students currently living in halls at the Fallowfield campus and prospective students can continue to apply for existing halls as normal.
The university has launched a public consultation on the plans prior to the submission of the outline planning application to Manchester City Council.
During the consultation period, the University is hosting a public drop in event on Wednesday 14 June at Uttley House on the Fallowfield campus, and a live public webinar on Thursday 15June.
Dr Simon Merrywest, director for the student experience, University of Manchester, said: “The proposals for the redevelopment of this area of the Fallowfield campus will strengthen the University’s ability to offer a world-class, supportive student experience in well-located, good value, quality accommodation. This redevelopment provides an opportunity to widen the choice and supply of student bedrooms whilst ensuring they are fulfilling the requirements of future students studying at the university.
“Through creating these welcoming and inclusive spaces, it helps create a positive sense of place for our students as they live, learn and thrive within the surrounding community.”
Ahead of submitting an outline planning application, an initial phase of enabling works to refurbish existing accommodation in Oak House will start in the summer and the relocation of the student reception will be completed in time for the start of 2023/24 academic year.
The public consultation will close on Friday 30 June 2023.
The lead consultant is Rider Levett Bucknall.
The architect is Sheppard Robson.
The planning and strategic communications consultant is Turley.
RLB and Midollo are project managers.
The engineering consultant is Buro Happold.
The landscape architect is Landscape Projects.
