GRAHAM has secured a £286m contract to deliver the wholesale redevelopment of Cambridge Halls at Manchester Metropolitan University, a scheme being progressed through a joint venture between the University and Unite Students.

The long-term partnership will provide 2,302 new student bedrooms as part of a major upgrade of the campus. The existing 1990s accommodation will be demolished and replaced with two multi-storey buildings delivered in two phases, offering a mix of cluster apartments and studios alongside extensive internal and external amenity spaces.

The plans include ground-floor commercial units and a new community health centre fronting Cambridge Street to deepen connections between the university and the surrounding neighbourhood. Designed by Cartwright Pickard, the buildings will reach up to 30 storeys and provide high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation.

The development targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and features a highly efficient building envelope combined with low‑carbon, energy‑saving technologies. Air‑source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, low‑energy heat‑recovery ventilation and advanced intelligent building management systems are specified to significantly cut operational energy use and carbon emissions.

Stephen Van den Hoek, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “Cambridge Halls is a significant and complex regeneration project that will transform this part of the campus. We are proud to have been appointed to work with Manchester Metropolitan University and Unite Students to deliver high-quality, sustainable accommodation that supports student wellbeing and long-term performance. Our team is looking forward to working collaboratively with all partners as the scheme moves forward.”

Demolition is under way, with main construction due to start later this year. Phase one is scheduled to complete in 2029, followed by phase two in 2030. CGIs: Virtual Planit.

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