Viridis Living has secured a major step forward in its £multi-million redevelopment of the University of Manchester's Fallowfield Campus, after Manchester City Council granted Reserved Matters Planning Consent.

The approval, which covers Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, paves the way for work to begin on the creation of up to 3,300 modern student homes. The scheme also includes new amenity spaces, ancillary residential dwellings and extensive green infrastructure.

Led by a consortium of Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, Viridis Living has worked with the University of Manchester, the Council, local residents and stakeholders to finalise design, layout and landscaping plans. The project will see the campus transformed into five new neighbourhoods, each inspired by Manchester’s cultural, sporting and musical heritage.

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Sustainability sits at the heart of the proposals, with the development targeting Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Offsite manufacturing and other Modern Methods of Construction will also be used to improve efficiency, reduce waste and accelerate delivery.

In a proactive step, Viridis Living submitted its first application to the Building Safety Regulator in June 2025, three months ahead of planning approval, to reinforce the consortium’s commitment to fire safety, detailed design and the rapid delivery of new homes.

GRAHAM has led the planning process on behalf of the consortium, working alongside architects Sheppard Robson and planning consultants Deloitte.

Commenting on the approval, Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director, said: "We're delighted to reach this important milestone on a project of such scale and significance. The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the University.

"The engagement with the local community and our response to challenging environmental targets have resulted in a well-received planning application. Inclusion, accessibility and student wellbeing are embedded throughout the scheme, making this one of the most forward-thinking student accommodation developments in the UK."

Preparatory works are already under way, with main construction scheduled to begin in early 2026. Students are expected to move into the first phase of new accommodation from 2026, with the full redevelopment set to complete in 2030.