The University of Manchester has announced a preferred consortium for its Fallowfield campus redevelopment project.
- A £400 million DBFO contract is set to transform the Fallowfield campus, modernising student accommodation.
- The redevelopment phases include demolishing Owens Park Tower and bringing 5,400 new student beds.
- Consortium members Equitix, Graham, and Derwent FM lead the project with a sustainability focus.
- The aim is to complete contract negotiations and reach financial closure by summer 2025.
The University of Manchester has officially selected a preferred consortium comprising Equitix, Graham, and Derwent FM to spearhead the ambitious redevelopment of its Fallowfield campus. This decision comes as part of the institution’s strategy to significantly upgrade its student residential facilities, aligning with contemporary living standards and expectations of the student population.
Expected to culminate in a £400 million Design, Build, Finance, and Operate (DBFO) contract, the project aims to reinvigorate the Fallowfield site. The Viridis consortium, which includes Equitix as the investor and manager, Graham as the main contractor contributing equity, and Derwent FM as the designated facilities manager, is poised to lead this extensive development venture. Architectural expertise is provided by Sheppard Robson, while consulting engineering services are delivered by WSP.
Key to this redevelopment is the phased approach adopted for its execution. The current phase includes the demolition of the long-vacant Owens Park Tower and adjacent buildings, which is scheduled to complete early in 2025. This builds the foundation for the subsequent introduction of modern infrastructure, accommodating up to 5,400 new student beds and replacing obsolete housing units on the campus.
The redevelopment project also involves the refurbishment of significant campus sites such as Owens Park, Oak House, and Woolton Hall. On completion, these upgrades will provide 3,300 new high-quality bedrooms that cater to increasing demand for enhanced living spaces within the campus’s vibrant environment.
Both the University and the consortium aim to finalise contract negotiations by summer 2025, ensuring a seamless transition into the construction phase. Graham’s chief executive, Andrew Bill, expressed a commitment to creating an exemplary sustainable campus designed to enrich future students’ university experiences. Achal Bhuwania, Equitix’s chief investment officer, reiterated a strategic focus on trust and long-standing relationships, coupled with exceptional solutions prioritising sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
The Manchester campus redevelopment signifies a monumental step forward in modernising university accommodation, grounded in sustainability and strategic collaboration.
