A major construction milestone has been reached at The Canvas Building, a £29 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Moss Lane East in Manchester, with the project officially topping out.

The milestone was marked by representatives from developer Alumno, acting on behalf of Invesco Real Estate, alongside main contractor GMI Construction Group and members of the wider project team.

Scheduled for completion in time for the 2027 academic year, the development will provide modern student accommodation close to both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, offering a well-connected location for students studying in the city.

Designed by Stallan Brand Architects, the scheme will deliver 261 student beds through a mix of cluster apartments and self-contained studio accommodation, helping to meet growing demand for high-quality student housing in Manchester.

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The development overlooks Whitworth Park and combines the construction of a new nine-storey building with the sensitive refurbishment of an adjacent listed Georgian villa. The design blends contemporary architecture with the preservation of the site's historic character, incorporating high-quality brickwork and metal cladding to complement the surrounding area.

Residents will benefit from a range of communal facilities, including dedicated study and collaborative workspaces, social lounges, a cinema room, fitness facilities and a wellbeing space, creating a supportive environment for student living.

David Campbell, Managing Director of Alumno, said: "Reaching the topping out stage is an important milestone for everyone involved in this project and a testament to the hard work, dedication and collaboration of the team on site. We are proud to see the scheme taking shape, given the significant market challenges and to be delivering a development that will make a positive contribution to the local area.

"Through a considered approach to design and planning, the project will provide much-needed, high-quality student accommodation for Manchester, including a proportion of rooms at affordable rents. As with every Alumno development, we have worked closely and sensitively with local stakeholders and the community throughout the process to ensure the scheme complements and enhances this vibrant neighbourhood, creating a place that will benefit both students and the wider community for years to come."