Team picked to redevelop famous Manchester student halls

The University of Manchester has appointed a consortium to redevelop the Fallowfield Campus under a design, build, finance and operate (DBFO) model.

Under the name Viridis, the partnership comprises Equitix (infrastructure investor, developer and manager), Graham (equity and construction) and Derwent FM (facilities management).

Advisers in the venture include architecture firm Sheppard Robson and engineering consultancy WSP.

DBFO contracts are a form of public-private partnership under which the private sector designs, builds and finances a project and then handles the operations and facilities maintenance under a long-term agreement.

Fallowfield campus is the main area of student accommodation for the University of Manchester. In 2002, it was host to the Athletes’ Village for the Commonwealth Games held in the city.

The DBFO contract includes creating up to 5,400 student beds by replacing the existing accommodation on site with “modern, high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation”.

Manchester City Council Planning and Highways Committee approved the Fallowfield campus redevelopment proposal in January 2024. The plans include the regeneration of Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall.

In 2015, local residents protested against the university’s proposals to create 1,000 additional bedsits for students at Owens Park in Fallowfield. They argued that increasing the number of students on site would “put a huge strain on local services”, the Manchester Evening News reported at the time.

Viridis will deliver the redevelopment in multiple phases, including the ongoing demolition of Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings, which have been closed for several years. This phase is due for completion in early 2025.