'Quality and character' - Brand new £30m student accommodation opens in Manchester

The scheme, located at Oxford Place just south of the city centre, has been delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North on behalf of McLaren Property.

The project broke ground in summer 2023 and is now welcoming students from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Built within the Victoria Park Conservation Area, St Gabriel’s Court brings together the renovation of three existing buildings — St Gabriel’s Lodge, a 1963 chapel, and Woodthorpe Hall — with two new four- and five-storey blocks added at either end of the site.

The result is a mix of cluster bedrooms, studios and shared social spaces aimed at providing modern accommodation while preserving local character.

The 1850s St Gabriel’s Lodge has been restored with its stone façade, ornate chimneys and curved windows retained. Reclaimed brickwork was used for repairs, and original features such as the entrance doors were refurbished.

Inside, the building has been modernised to include new amenity areas while maintaining period details. The 1963 chapel, designed by modernist architects Reynolds and Scott, has been refurbished to retain its zig-zag canopy and distinctive south gable window, recreated to match the original.

Its circular stained-glass window has also been preserved, while a statue of Christ from the site has been donated to St Hilda Church of England Church in Manchester.

Woodthorpe Hall, a 1930s neo-Georgian building once used as a women’s hall of residence, has also been restored with its original brickwork and courtyard layout kept intact. New paving and planting were added to retain the historic setting, including mature trees and hedgerows.

Two new purpose-built blocks frame the site, designed with buff and red brick finishes, aluminium-framed glazing and perforated metal screens to complement the older buildings. The development also includes a sub-station, outbuildings and landscaped outdoor areas.

Construction on the constrained, street-facing site relied on a ‘just-in-time’ delivery system. Modern Methods of Construction were used, including precast retaining walls, prefabricated chimneys made from reclaimed bricks and bathroom pods for the new blocks.

In-situ concrete framing and steel wall systems were combined with curtain walling and a mix of aluminium and timber sash windows to balance old and new.

Sustainability features include bat, swift and sparrow boxes built into façades, bee posts in landscaped areas and photovoltaic panels on the roofs.

Upgraded insulation and an on-site energy centre are expected to help achieve BREEAM ratings of ‘Excellent’ for the new blocks and ‘Very Good’ for the refurbished ones.

Darren Harding, Divisional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are proud to have completed our delivery of this pivotal scheme in central Manchester.

“St Gabriel’s Court blends heritage refurbishment with modern construction to provide much-needed, high-quality student accommodation, diversifying the options for university goers in the heart of the city.

“This scheme is testament to our regional capability and commitment to sustainability.”

David Atherton, Divisional Managing Director at McLaren Property, said: “The quality of the finished product speaks for itself, and the McLaren Construction team have done an excellent job getting this challenging construction project across the line.

“The buildings have been sensitively restored and whilst all bedrooms reflect the highest standards expected from modern student accommodation; the original character of the historic buildings continues to shine though.

“With students now fully settled in the new accommodation, this project represents a very pleasing result for all involved.”