Corstorphine & Wright is delighted that our latest scheme for Fusion Students has received Planning Approval. Deansgate South will create over 500 beds. This Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is situated at a key gateway site into Manchester city centre and is adjacent to Deansgate Square, which houses the city’s tallest building.
Manchester has one of the largest student populations in Europe. With several universities near Deansgate, the need for high-quality yet affordable student accommodation is high with over 90,000 people studying at Manchester institutions.
The ‘flat iron’ form of the site has been celebrated and the building designed to embrace the industrial heritage of the area. For example, the Corten steel panels that form the primary component of the façade invoke the metalworking and engineering heritage of the Knott’s Mill area in a timely, yet contemporary way.
The building will feature 3 tiered landscaped terraces, which will create unique and elegant external amenity spaces that focus on wellbeing and providing spectacular views across the city centre. This focus is continued inside with a gym, wellness suite, communal spaces, library, and basketball court on offer to allow students to have a well rounded and enriched student experience.
The building is targeting a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘Excellent’ rating. BREEAM assessment evaluates sustainable value based on performance benchmarks including reduced carbon emissions, low impact design, adaption to climate change, ecological value, and biodiversity protection. The roof terraces will also feature a range of animal and insect habitats to support the local environment.
Only a mile from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and 1.2 miles from the University of Manchester, Deansgate has excellent transport links. Our teams have continually engaged with key stakeholders throughout the design process, including the MMU Student Union. This direct communication with the communities who will use the facilities means we have been can create the best possible living environment for the student occupants.
We look forward to seeing this scheme come to life. Works are targeted to commence on site in 2023, with a 2025 opening.
