16 February 2026

The redevelopment of Manchester Metropolitan University’s Cambridge Halls accommodation will go ahead following the finalisation of a groundbreaking partnership between the university and Unite Students.

Situated in the heart of the city’s university quarter, the Cartwright Pickard-designed scheme will deliver 2,302 new student bedrooms, arranged across towers of 30 and 24 storeys. To make way for the new blocks, the existing 1990s-built Cambridge Halls will be demolished.

 

The new development will offer a range of room types, including dorm-style, cluster flats and studios, and will cater for students with different needs and budgets. The scheme also includes a super‑sized kitchen and lounge for 400 students, and residents will have access to a variety of high-quality amenity spaces, including a rooftop exercise area, sports pitches and an allotment. Space will be provided for a new community health centre, whilst shared access for pedestrians and cyclists through the middle of the site will be incorporated, along with enhanced landscaping and public spaces.

 

 

Discussing the scheme’s impact in a recent statement, Andrew Fallon, Chief Property Officer at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “The redevelopment of Cambridge Halls marks an important milestone in our commitment to providing a truly modern campus for our students, colleagues and the community. We look forward to continuing our work with Unite Students to bring these benefits to life.”

Under the joint venture, Unite Students will act as developer, asset manager and operator with a 70% share of the ownership.

 

Celebrating the partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University in a recent statement, Joe Lister, Unite Students’ Chief Executive, said: “We’re thrilled to finalise our joint venture partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and look forward to seeing the development begin to take shape this year. This new property will deliver modern, sustainable on campus accommodation that meets the needs and expectations of today’s students. By substantially increasing the number of beds at Cambridge Halls, we’re also playing our part in freeing up privately rented homes for local families and young professionals.”

 

Continuing our successful partnerships with both Manchester Metropolitan University and Unite Students, Waterman’s team provided multidisciplinary support for this latest project. Our building services expert’s all-electric MEP design incorporates roof-mounted air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, along with a hybrid ventilation system to suit the busy city centre location. With the development targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, our sustainability services specialists worked closely with Unite Students to support their commitment to delivering Net Zero student accommodation, seeing us conduct detailed pre-demolition and reuse audits to embed material circularity within the design. In addition, we also provided detailed energy and overheating strategies and lead the BREEAM assessment.

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This development will be vital for the city’s ever expanding student population, and it’s a clear demonstration of how sustainable design can be successfully integrated within high-rise, multiple occupancy buildings. We have long-standing partnerships with both MMU and Unite Students, and it has been a real pleasure working closely with them both once again.

Waterman’s Managing Director for Building Services – North, Jonathan Purcell

Construction of the first 1,101 beds is expected to complete in time for the start of the 2029/30 academic year, whilst the second phase, offering 1,201 beds, is scheduled to complete the following year.