Plans for Fallowfield campus redevelopment approved

The University of Manchester’s proposal to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus to provide more high-quality, modern student accommodation has been approved by Manchester City Council Planning and Highways Committee. 

The approved plans encompass the redevelopment of Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall to meet the increasing demand for student bedrooms in inclusive, safe and sociable surroundings. Located near to the University’s main buildings, the site is well-connected and provides students with a wide range of support services to ensure a world-class student experience. 

On completion, the wider Fallowfield campus will offer up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing, older accommodation on site and delivering 3,300 updated bed spaces to meet the growing demand for high-quality, modern bedrooms across the popular campus.   

Earlier this year, the University delivered a month-long public consultation for residents, local groups, students and staff to share their feedback on the proposals. Their responses have been reviewed and considered by the University and will be incorporated into the ongoing plans for the future of the campus. 

The redevelopment will be delivered in multiple phases and includes the demolition of Owens Park Tower which has been closed for several years. As outline planning consent has now been granted, the University will work with a delivery partner to bring the plans forward in the new year. 

Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience, University of Manchester said: “We are delighted that we have been granted planning permission for our Fallowfield Campus Redevelopment. These plans were born out of a commitment to provide our new and returning students with modern, high-quality accommodation. This much needed update to one of our most popular student campuses is integral to ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of our student population by delivering well-connected, serviced, modern accommodation in a supportive and inclusive environment.  

“The public consultation held last summer, ahead of submitting our application to Manchester City Council was an important part of the process and, as part of our ongoing plans for the campus, we will continue to work with our Fallowfield neighbours and local neighbourhood managers so that both our students and the surrounding community can benefit as much as possible from the redevelopment project.” 

• To view further information and to receive updates on the project, please visit the project website at Fallowfield student campus