Manchester Uni Redevelops Fallowfield Campus

Manchester University's Fallowfield Campus Revamp Gains Momentum with Key Planning Submission

Information Technology

17 days agoPWG Publications

Introduction

The University of Manchester has marked an important milestone in its ambitious Fallowfield Campus redevelopment project. On March 24, 2025, the university submitted a Reserved Matters Planning Application (RMPA) to Manchester City Council. This application outlines detailed proposals for the appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale of the redevelopment, which aims to transform the campus into a modern, sustainable hub for students.

Background on the Project

The Fallowfield Campus redevelopment is a significant undertaking by the University of Manchester to enhance its student accommodation offerings. The project, led by the Viridis Consortium—a partnership of GRAHAM, Equitix, and Derwent FM—focuses on providing high-quality, modern living spaces for students. The redevelopment includes plans for 3,300 new, energy-efficient bedrooms across Owens Park, Oak House, and Woolton Hall, alongside dedicated amenity spaces and green areas.

Key Features of the Redevelopment

Sustainable Design: The project is set to become one of the largest Passivhaus developments worldwide, emphasizing reduced energy consumption, improved indoor air quality, and consistent temperatures.
BREEAM Excellent Certification: The development is targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, a prestigious sustainability assessment that reflects its commitment to environmental standards.
Community Engagement: A consultation exercise involving local communities was conducted in late 2024 to incorporate their feedback into the plans.
Phased Construction: The main construction phase is scheduled to begin in 2026, with phased handovers of completed buildings allowing students to move in between 2027 and 2030.

The Submission of the Reserved Matters Planning Application

The RMPA submission is a crucial step following the Outline Planning Permission granted in January 2024. It outlines a comprehensive vision for the campus, including:

Five Distinct Neighbourhoods: Each with its own character, designed to foster a sense of community.
Central Hub: A central gathering place for students that will serve as the heart of the campus.
Greenspaces: Enhanced green areas to provide students with peaceful environments and connect them with nature.

Dr. Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience at the University of Manchester, noted, "This is an important milestone in realising our vision for the Fallowfield Campus. The plans and proposals within the Reserved Matters Application reinforce our commitment to providing new and returning students with modern, high-quality accommodation."

Partnership and Delivery

The Viridis Consortium brings together the expertise of GRAHAM (construction), Equitix (investment and development), and Derwent FM (facilities management). This partnership is key to delivering a Design, Build, Finance, and Operate (DBFO) model that ensures not only modern accommodation but also sustainable practices throughout the project's lifecycle.

Impact on Sustainability

The Fallowfield Campus redevelopment highlights the University of Manchester's commitment to sustainability:

Passivhaus Standards: The development will adhere to Passivhaus standards, minimizing energy use while ensuring comfortable living conditions.
Environmental Conservation: The plans prioritize preserving existing landscape features and enhancing green spaces to promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
BREEAM Certification: Targeting BREEAM Excellent certification underscores the project's focus on achieving high environmental standards.

Community Engagement and Feedback

A significant aspect of the project has been community engagement. To ensure that local perspectives were considered, the university conducted a five-week consultation from December 2024 to early January 2025. This process allowed stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposals, which has been invaluable in shaping the final plans.

Conclusion and Future Developments

The submission of the RMPA marks a significant step forward in the University of Manchester's efforts to modernize its student accommodations and contribute to a more sustainable future. As the project progresses towards main construction in 2026, it sets a precedent for large-scale educational infrastructure development that prioritizes both student experience and environmental responsibility.

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