McLaren Construction Midlands and North has reported strong momentum at the £160m Upper Brook Street student accommodation project in Manchester.

Appointed late last year, the contractor now has both tower cranes operational, with the concrete cores for each building having reached full height.

The 23-storey UBS block has advanced to level five floor slabs, while the nine-storey K block is at level four. The team has also installed the attenuation tank and established high-quality site accommodation nearby.

Current activity is focused on progressing the concrete frames, with floor slab construction continuing across both buildings in the coming months. Façade installation is due to begin in the summer, with modern methods of construction central to the approach, including a full concrete frame and fully unitised prefabricated façade panels.

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The development is targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, underpinned by efficient construction practices designed to minimise environmental impact.

Social value commitments include creating local jobs, supporting unemployed people back into work, improving local skills through site visits, creating apprenticeships and routes for young people into employment, allocating 20% of construction value to local spend, and backing community projects to expand green space and biodiversity. Work is under way with local organisations, including initiatives with the Salvation Army to provide work experience.

Engagement with community groups is ongoing, with discussions to support a local Scout group and a proposed greenhouse project linked to residents at the Brunswick allotments.

On completion, Upper Brook Street will provide 737 student beds across two buildings of nine and 23 storeys, with shared amenities such as study areas, fitness facilities and social spaces. The scheme will also deliver new public and community-focused facilities, contributing to the wider Oxford Road Corridor.

Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: "Progress on Upper Brook Street has been excellent, with the team achieving key structural milestones in a short period of time. Reaching full height on both concrete cores is an achievement and is testament to the collaboration and expertise across the team. As we move forward, we remain focused on maintaining this momentum while continuing to deliver meaningful social value within the local community."