Deansgate student accommodation
Projects

Deansgate student accommodation

Client
Fusion Students
Value
£40m
Size
28 Storeys and 535 Student Rooms

Transforming a vacant, derelict site, this new student living facility will revitalise an historic area of the city, provide vital housing for the university and improve the landscape of Manchester.

A leader in building high-quality student housing, the client approached us to navigate the planning process of this new project. The striking design of the proposed building will not only take advantage of the unusual triangular-shaped plot of land it will occupy but also utilise materials that encapsulate the industrial history of Manchester. Located in a prominent position by the old canal docks, it will create a new landmark upon entering the city.

When the client acquired the site, permission for a building had been granted. However, the new proposal increased the height of the accommodation to 28 storeys and added several new communal living elements for student wellbeing.

Manchester is a thriving university city and the need for high-quality accommodation grows with each passing year. The planning application for Deansgate outlined how the 534-bedroom building is well-located to serve the needs of students – the scheme is within walking distance to the main university campus.

Bidwells provided the Heritage Impact Assessment due to the site’s proximity to the Castlefield Conservation Area and numerous listed buildings, and the Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment (TVIA) to analyse the impact of the new development on the city’s skyline.

This is another great success for both us and our client – and a further scheme to add to the successful Portsmouth, Sheffield and Nottingham schemes for Fusion Students.

Deansgate student accommodation 2

Our Masterplanning, Landscape and Assessment Team provided Townscape Assessment for this project.

Employ people like Chris Surfleet and the rest will sort itself out
Paul Miles - Fusion Students

Get in touch with our team

602261

Martina Sechi

Associate, Head of Landscape & Townscape Assessment

Martina is passionate about townscape architecture, ensuring her clients’ visions are delivered in a way that complement their settings.

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Kate Hannelly-Brown

Kate Hannelly-Brown

Partner, Heritage and Design

A heritage consultant, architectural technician and conservation officer all rolled in to one.

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Related services:

01

Planning

Develop winning planning strategies that deliver successful projects
02

Heritage Consultancy

We understand what makes our historic environment special and support you in adding value to your buildings without harming what is significant.
03

Operational Living

Build a high-performance rental portfolio for 21st century living
04

Student

Powerful insights and development support from PBSA’s leading consultants

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