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Building Safety Regulator approves Manchester university scheme
Nadine Buddoo CM People Editor
CGI of University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus redevelopment. Image: Sheppard Robson
Viridis Living has secured Gateway 2 approval for the delivery of new student accommodation at the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus.
The consortium, comprising Graham, Derwent FM and Equitix, has now submitted seven higher-risk buildings to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), with approvals now granted for two of these.
The two approved buildings each feature 14 storeys, with one providing 205 bedrooms and the other 207 bedrooms.
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With Gateway 2 approval in place, structural works on the buildings are expected to start imminently.
The consortium anticipates decisions from the BSR on the remaining five higher-risk buildings within the next two months.
Commenting on the approvals, Neil McFarlane, Graham’s project director for the Fallowfield Campus, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval for the first two [higher-risk buildings] is a significant milestone for the Fallowfield Campus project and testament to the collaborative approach taken by the whole team.
“With structural works now able to commence on these two buildings, and further approvals expected in the coming months, we are making strong progress towards delivering safe, high-quality and sustainable student accommodation for Manchester.”
Safe and sustainable accommodation
When complete, the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment will deliver up to 3,300 student homes across the previous sites of Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, alongside amenity spaces and extensive green infrastructure.
The scheme is targeting Passivhaus certification and, once achieved, will become the largest certified Passivhaus project in Europe. It is also pursuing a BREEAM Excellent rating.
The project, designed by architect Sheppard Robson, will create five neighbourhoods, each inspired by Manchester’s cultural, sporting and musical heritage.
Natalia Maximova, partner at Sheppard Robson, added: “The focus of the Gateway 2 review was technical compliance, requiring a high level of coordination and design quality throughout the proposal.
“Key design decisions, such as the adoption of a precast cross-wall system and the extended use of concrete, added inherent fire safety properties to the scheme and simplified facade coordination. This has been a learning process for all participants and required full commitment from everyone.”
The CM March 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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