Construction underway on £40m Manchester student scheme

Construction has officially started on a £40m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Manchester, marking the delivery phase of a long-awaited city centre development.

The project is being led by Tiger Developments, part of the O’Flynn Group, with GMI Construction Group appointed as main contractor.

Located on Carmoor Road in Ardwick, the scheme will transform a former garage and nursery site into two interconnected student accommodation blocks, delivering 172 bedrooms.

Designed by Lechler Hayes Architects, the development will range from three to six storeys and include a mix of cluster apartments and studio units. Around 15% of the accommodation will be offered at discounted market rent.

The scheme is targeting high sustainability standards, with an EPC A rating and a BREEAM Excellent certification.

Once complete, the development will be operated by Host Student Housing, with delivery aimed in time for the 2027/28 academic year.

The start on site follows a detailed planning process, with approval secured in late 2025 after earlier consent was granted in 2023.

With strong ongoing demand for student accommodation in Manchester, the project adds to a growing pipeline of PBSA schemes across the city, creating further opportunities across the construction supply chain.