Plans submitted for huge Manchester student accommodation tower – 11 storeys taller than first planned

A new 28-storey tower block touted for student housing in the city centre has been formally submitted to Manchester Council.

The Block C tower, planned for First Street, would deliver 555 student bed spaces to the area split between cluster bedrooms and studios, if approved. This is one of the four blocks in the Downing development which hoped to bring thousands of new student homes to the city centre. The £450m scheme was ‘reluctantly’ given the green light three years ago. 

It consisted of co-living apartments with 3,804 beds in which residents have their own separate living space and bathroom while sharing communal facilities like kitchens and dining areas. However, Downing, the developer behind the scheme, has updated the plans for one of these buildings to ‘reflect changing market demands’. This led to Block C, which was supposed to be 10 to 17 storeys tall, becoming a 28-storey building for 555 students.

Construction on the Plot 11 site started in March 2022 with the first two phases of development including Blocks A, B and D. Work on these buildings – one of which is a 45-storey tower – are expected to be completed in late 2024 with residents set to move in by early 2025. If the revised plans are approved, the third phase of development, which includes Block C, will start after this. 

Back in October, projects director Ian Harrison said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward this revised proposal for Block C, Plot 11, First Street. In light of the significant increase in the demand for PBSA in Manchester city centre, we hope that the development will not only contribute towards meeting this need, but also diversify the residential offer at First Street and help to solidify its status as one of the city’s most successful regeneration stories.”

A public consultation on the updated proposals was launched back in October by the developer. Another period of consultation is due to last until January 18 – with members of the public being able to make their voices heard regarding the development to Manchester Council.