Urban Splash eyes ambitious 750-bed PBSA on Manchester roundabout
The possibility of delivering a high-density student housing scheme dissected by Mancunian Way is being explored by the developer.
Urban Splash has been working with architect Hodder + Partners on designs for Cambridge Circus, a purpose-built student accommodation scheme to be constructed on the Cambridge Street junction roundabout beneath the Mancunian Way flyover.
The plans are mentioned in Deloitte’s PBSA supply report, one of the documents worked up to support the development of Manchester City Council’s refreshed local plan. The report dates back to 2023 but Place North West understands discussions around the site’s redevelopment potential are ongoing.
The report states that “Hodder + Partners have undertaken a feasibility study on behalf of Urban Splash and produced a design that indicates the site could accommodate circa. 750 bedspaces within two towers of 30 and 17 storeys”.
Manchester City Council is the landowner and no development agreement has been signed to date.
The report suggests the site’s constraints, namely its size and proximity to busy roads, could make development tricky, if not impossible, to deliver.
“A key issue with this development is whether it is possible logistically to build it,” the report states.
Any scheme would have to incorporate “excellent pedestrian connections for students and for the wider public, which are safe and which represent a marked improvement on the current subways [on the site]”, according to Deloitte.
Urban Splash was contacted for comment.
A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “The [Deloitte] report is outlining potential sites as part of the local plan review to ensure there is a strong pipeline through to 2030 to meet demand – and any of the sites would be subject to consultation and the planning process.”
This is so cool – do it well, do something mad!!
By Yesss
is it the 1st of april?
By confused
Zero chance of this happening. Men are more likely to be praised for their open-toed sandles at formal occasions than this one getting off the ground.
By Main Road Mary
Ridiculous
By Anonymous
I’m sure that this scheme was initially floated in 2021 and I’d assumed that the plans had been dropped. Pie in the sky.
By Paul the Joiner
where are the balconies?
By getitbuilt
I know this pipe dream has been around for some years now but you know.. sometimes it is ok to just to allow a plot to be for a couple of trees.
By Anonymous
What about that triangular grassy verge on the side? Could get a very slim tower in there.
By Anonymous
what a waste of time
By Anonymous
Not a very good idea! Presumably this is just a publicity stunt.
By Digbuth O'Hooligan
Would it not make more sense for US to just fix what they badly built previously?
And wear suitable footwear, particularly when on site
By J. Agerbomb
Have we learnt nothing – outcomes for those living near congested polluted roads show the consequent detrimental effects
By Merton
I wondered when this would come. I’ve been expecting quadrants on the Chester Road round about to be looked at for development.
By Anonymous
Where will I sell my meat skewers from if they build on my plot?
By Best Friends & Barbeque
Insane idea.
By Anonymous
Is it April Fools Day????
Not even the GMCA would fund the inevitable viability gap that would be associated with this proposal.
Best laugh I have had all year.
By Anonymous
Leave the precious green space alone!
By Anonymous