Cambridge Halls gets unanimous planning approval, setting a new benchmark for student living in Manchester
Cartwright Pickard’s design for Cambridge Halls, a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at the heart of Manchester Metropolitan University’s campus, has unanimously received planning approval from Manchester City Council.
Delivered in a joint venture between Manchester Metropolitan University and Unite Students, the scheme will replace outdated 1990s accommodation with an innovative, sustainable and inclusive residential accommodation.
The development will transform the existing Cambridge Halls site into a vibrant community, delivering 2,302 student bedrooms across multiple buildings, including 24 and 30-storey towers. A broad mix of room types from cluster flats and studios to affordable and postgraduate accommodation ensures the needs of diverse student groups are met.
Amenity spaces are integral to the design, with study zones, social hubs, gyms, wellness studios, landscaped courtyards and rooftop terraces all promoting wellbeing and academic success. Phase one will deliver over 1,100 bedrooms and a rooftop wellness facility, followed by a second phase of 1,200 bedrooms with dedicated postgraduate housing.
Cambridge Halls is central to Manchester Metropolitan University’s campus masterplan and will play a key role in addressing the demand for student housing across Manchester. By delivering purpose-built accommodation, the scheme will help ease pressure on the local private rented sector while contributing positively to the wider community. Public realm improvements are embedded within the design, unifying connections across the Manchester Metropolitan University campus and creating a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly environment.
The project is targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and the benchmarks for operational energy, water use and embodied carbon set out in the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard. Materials have been carefully selected for their durability, low carbon impact and long-term adaptability, with façades inspired by the historic character of Hulme and All Saints alongside the civic architecture of the university.
Modern Methods of Construction, including precast concrete manufactured offsite, will reduce construction time and waste, ensuring quality whilst minimising disruption to the city.
Andrew Fallon, Chief Property Officer, Manchester Metropolitan University, said "The planning approval to redevelop Cambridge Halls marks an important milestone in our commitment to providing a truly modern campus here in the city centre for our students, colleagues and the community."
Simon Jones, Group Higher Education Director at Unite Students, said "This is an exciting step forward for our partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University to deliver next-generation student living in the heart of the city. We’re coming together to create a new development that will sit proudly within the All Saints campus, help tackle Manchester's shortage of student housing and enable the university to focus on student experience and academic excellence."
