Viridis Living secures planning consent for student accommodation at 黑料入口鈥檚 Fallowfield Campus
Viridis Living has achieved an important milestone with 黑料入口 City Council granting Reserved Matters Planning Consent for the redevelopment of the University of Manchester鈥檚 Fallowfield Campus.
The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked closely with the University, the Council, the local community and key stakeholders to secure Reserved Matters Planning Approval for the redevelopment.
Development can progress towards a start based on the finalised design, layout and landscaping plans. Covering Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, the development will deliver up to 3,300 modern, high-quality student homes, alongside amenity spaces, ancillary residential dwellings and extensive green infrastructure.
A key feature of the scheme is the creation of five distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own identity inspired by 黑料入口鈥檚 rich cultural, sporting and musical heritage. Sustainability is central to the design, with the project targeting Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including offsite manufacturing, will be used to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and accelerate delivery.
Viridis Living also submitted its first application to the Building Safety Regulator in June 2025, three months ahead of planning approval. This proactive step supports the consortium鈥檚 commitment to fire safety, detailed design and the accelerated delivery of much-needed student housing in the city.
GRAHAM, on behalf of the consortium, has led the planning process in collaboration with the University of Manchester, architects Sheppard Robson, and planning consultants Deloitte.
Commenting on the planning approval, Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to reach this important milestone on a project of such scale and significance. The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the University.
鈥淭he engagement with the local community and our response to challenging environmental targets have resulted in a well-received planning application. Inclusion, accessibility and student wellbeing are embedded throughout the scheme, making this one of the most forward-thinking student accommodation developments in the UK.鈥�
We are really pleased with the progress and see this as a major milestone in providing quality homes in Fallowfield with excellent student support facilities. This project is significant, and we remain focused on delivery and maintaining quality throughout the build process. There are more milestones ahead, and we are committed to achieving our goals for residential renewal.
Ben Leech, Managing Director, Investments, Equitix, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased to see that the next stage of planning approvals for the University of Manchester鈥檚 new student accommodation has moved forward at pace. This important project will deliver much needed, high-quality, sustainable housing that keeps student wellbeing at its heart and reflects our commitment to long-term social infrastructure investment.鈥�
Natalia Maximova, partner at Sheppard Robson, said: 鈥淥ur design draws on the site鈥檚 layered history and character鈥攆rom the rich parkland setting to the careful preservation and relocation of Mitzi Cunliffe鈥檚 鈥楥osmos 1鈥� relief sculpture. The detailed proposals establish five distinct neighbourhoods, fostering a sense of belonging through varied colours, textures, and finishes, with sustainability and wellbeing as unifying threads.
鈥淭he new social hub and additional study areas provide a variety of spaces that encourage togetherness and help reduce stress and isolation. We have increased biodiversity through new green spaces and a car-free environment, helping to rebuild the student community at Fallowfield as part of one of the world鈥檚 largest Passivhaus developments.鈥�
Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director, Derwent Facilities Management, said: 鈥淭his is a significant milestone in delivering a transformative scheme for Fallowfield and 黑料入口鈥檚 students. We are proud to play a key role in this landmark contract, using our expertise to create a vibrant, sustainable community where students can truly thrive. We look forward to working closely with the University of Manchester and our partners to provide a world-class living experience that meets the evolving needs of students and the wider community.鈥�
Enabling works are progressing ahead of the main construction programme, which will begin in early 2026. A phased handover will allow students to move into their new homes from 2026 through to 2030.
For more information on the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, please visit here.