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University of Manchester unveils plans to redevelop student accommodation site

Turley is providing expert Planning and Strategic Communications services to The University of Manchester, which has unveiled the next phase of its plans to provide more high-quality, 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 to meet the increasing demand for student bedrooms in safe and sociable surroundings. 

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, helping to uplift the current number of beds by up to 950. By widening the supply, it will provide students with greater choice helping to meet the demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular 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.

On 6 June 2023 the university launched a public consultation on the plans, giving residents, local groups, students and staff the opportunity to provide feedback on the plans prior to the submission of the outline planning application to Manchester City Council. During the consultation period, the university hosted a public drop in event on Wednesday 14 June at Uttley House on the Fallowfield campus, and a live public webinar on Thursday 15 June. More information is available on the consultation website: www.manchester.ac.uk/fallowfieldconsultation 

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. To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project consultation website at www.manchester.ac.uk/fallowfieldconsultation .

16 June 2023