The University of Manchester’s redevelopment plans for the Fallowfield Campus have reached an important milestone following the submission of a Reserved Matters Planning Application.
The application sets out detailed proposals relating to the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the scheme, which covers Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall.
It builds on the Outline Planning Permission granted in January 2024.
The application will now be evaluated by Manchester City Council’s planning department.
A five-week consultation and engagement exercise was completed throughout December 2024 and early January 2025 to ensure the views of the local community informed the proposals.
The ambitious redevelopment plans include the creation of 3,300 modern, high-quality student bedspaces, along with dedicated amenity space, ancillary residential dwellings and greenspaces. Five distinct neighbourhoods that celebrate local history and character, and a central hub as an anchor and heart of the campus, are features of the scheme.
Commenting on the submission of the Reserved Matters Planning Application, Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester, said:
“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, and will help us to meet the future needs of our student population.”
The project is being delivered by the Viridis Consortium - a partnership consisting of GRAHAM, Equitix and Derwent FM.
The demolition of the Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings is ongoing. Enabling works are progressing in preparation for the main construction programme, which will commence in 2026. The phased handover of buildings will allow students to move into their new homes at different points from 2027 through to 2030.
GRAHAM has led the planning process in collaboration with the University of Manchester, architects, Sheppard Robson, and planning consultants, Deloitte.
Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director for the Fallowfield Campus, said:
“The planning submission is a further important milestone for the Fallowfield Campus project. It is the culmination of months of challenging work and an intensive programme of engagement with the University, staff, students and the local community. We believe the submitted plans will create an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students.”
Sustainable design and construction are embedded within the proposals. The development will be one of the largest Passivhaus developments in the world – meaning the buildings will use less energy, promote good indoor air quality and maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.
The development is also targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, a further independent sustainability assessment. The preservation of the mature landscape and enhanced green spaces are embedded within the plans.
Natalia Maximova, Associate Partner at Sheppard Robson Architects, who has managed the design process, said:
“Our designs are inspired by the site's layers of history and its unique character, providing high-quality student homes and amenities in a rich parkland setting. The proposals rebuild the student community at Fallowfield and create a new generation of sustainable student homes."
Tristan Meredith, Equitix Development Director, added:
“Equitix is committed to delivering best in class solutions with a core focus on sustainability. The submitted plans demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development while providing a world-class living experience for the University of Manchester’s future students.”
For more information on the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment, please visit: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/governance/corporate-documents/campus-masterplan/fallowfield-consultation/