GMI Construction Group has officially started work on a £29 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project in Manchester, marking a significant step in its ongoing partnership with specialist developer Alumno.

The development, located on Moss Lane East overlooking Whitworth Park, will deliver 261 high-quality student bedrooms across a mix of cluster flats and studios. Designed by Stallan Brand Architects, the scheme features a nine-storey new build with brickwork and metal cladding, alongside the refurbishment of a listed Georgian villa.

The project has successfully secured Gateway 2 approval, a mandatory checkpoint under the Building Safety Act 2024 for higher-risk buildings. As principal contractor, GMI is responsible for demonstrating competence, submitting detailed control plans, and ensuring all works comply with the approved design. This is the first GMI project to progress under the new legislation.

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Anthony Judge, Regional Director at GMI Construction Group, said: "We've built a strong and trusted relationship with Alumno over several years, and each project we deliver reinforces our shared commitment to quality, innovation and creating outstanding spaces for students.

"As principal contractor, we've taken full responsibility for meeting the new Building Safety Act regulatory requirements, from demonstrating competence to submitting detailed control plans and ensuring the build aligns with the approved design.

"We have now successfully navigated the Gateway 2 process on two schemes and are one of a handful of contractors to have completed the Gateway 3 process, which underlines our expertise in design and build compliance regarding High Risk Buildings."