£390m Student Accommodation Towers Set to Transform Manchester City Centre
Manchester’s city centre is set for a major transformation with the proposed redevelopment of Manchester Metropolitan University’s aging Cambridge Halls. A £390 million joint venture between Unite Students and Manchester Met will replace the existing 1990s-built accommodation with two modern high-rise buildings, standing 30 and 24 storeys tall and offering around 2,300 student beds.
The development, designed by renowned architecture firm Cartwright Pickard, aims to meet the evolving needs of students with contemporary, high-quality living spaces. The new complex will feature a range of internal and external communal areas, including rooftop amenities, study zones, and landscaped terraces. In addition, ground-floor areas will be allocated for retail and community use, helping to integrate the site more closely with the surrounding neighbourhood.
With construction expected to begin later this year, the project will be delivered in two phases. Over 1,100 beds are scheduled for completion by 2029, with the remaining 1,200 beds to follow in 2030. This significant increase in capacity will help meet growing demand for purpose-built student accommodation in Manchester, a city with one of the UK’s largest student populations.
The existing Cambridge Halls currently provide around 800 beds but are no longer considered suitable by today’s standards. Their demolition forms part of Manchester Met’s long-term campus improvement strategy, focused on delivering modern, sustainable facilities that enhance the student experience.
By combining quality design with strategic urban integration, the proposed development reflects a broader trend in higher education and urban planning creating student housing that is not only functional but also contributes positively to the city’s infrastructure, community, and economy.
Pending approval from Manchester City Council, this ambitious project is poised to become a new architectural landmark and a benchmark for future student accommodation in the UK.
