Cheshire Homes Group is bringing forward proposals for new, purpose-built student accommodation at College View, Manchester.
Below, you’ll find more information on the site, our plans, the consultation process, and our next steps.
Introducing Cheshire Homes Group
Founded in 1997, Cheshire Homes Group has grown organically over the years and now comprises a group of companies specialising in development, construction, residential letting, student letting and commercial letting.
The company’s motto, ‘more than real estate’, is a nod to its ability to offer services and expertise in all aspects of the property sector.
Based in Manchester, Cheshire Homes has delivered a range of schemes across the northwest, including a number of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) buildings. It has also delivered and manages a number of schemes in the local area around the site, and continues to invest in the area’s development. The proposals aim to build on this experience to help meet the current demand for high-quality student accommodation in Manchester.
The Site
Currently, the site comprises a three-story apartment building, College View, and is bound by Moss Lane East to the north and Acomb Street to the west.
Situated on the ‘Higher Education Corridor’, the site is just 10-15 mins walk to Manchester’s two major university campuses – Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester. As such, it serves as an ideal location for new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
The site enjoys a range of public transport options close by – it sits on a number of central bus routes which travel directly to Manchester City Centre, while Oxford Road train station is just a short walk away.
The site also benefits from its close proximity to green space, with Whitworth Park situated directly adjacent.
Higher Education Corridor
View along Moss Lane East looking East
View along Acomb Street looking North
View along Acomb Street looking South
View of site from Most East Lane
View along Moss Lane East looking West
View of site from Playfair Street
Overview of the proposals
The plans have been designed with the modern student in mind, with 169 studios proposed alongside a gym and fitness suite, study area, lobby, lounge laundry room, and secure cycle storage, all of which would be set within a part-four part-6 storey building. The building would also include a rooftop garden, helping to enhance biodiversity on the site.
The building will be surrounded by a high-quality landscaping scheme and students would have access to a secure, private garden located at the back of the site.
Introducing Nido Living
Nido Living have been selected to operate and manage the development.
Nido are a renowned operator of student accommodation with extensive experience in managing high-quality living spaces across the UK and Europe. Known for their commitment to creating vibrant, student-centred communities, their expertise in the sector ensures efficient management, excellent customer service, and a focus on sustainability and well-being, making them a trusted provider in the student accommodation market.
To find out more about Nido, you can visit their website by clicking here.
Precedent images showing what the interior of the development could look like
The Need for Student Accommodation
The demand for student accommodation in Manchester is growing due to the city's expanding university population and its reputation as a vibrant educational hub. As student enrolment increases, existing housing options are becoming insufficient, leading to a heightened need for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
A new PBSA scheme at Moss Lane East would help to address this demand by providing high-quality, dedicated living spaces that cater specifically to student needs. This would not only alleviate pressure on the local housing market but also enhance the student experience with amenities and facilities designed to support academic and social activities.
Design Proposals
Our design team has taken inspiration from the surrounding context to ensure that the building is visually cohesive with others in the area.
The design of the building adopts a simple form, with a masonry grid wrapping around the façade of the building.
Traditional Manchester red brick is the primary material, with darker brickwork at the ground level
to add definition.
Reconstituted stone lintels are also used to reflect the lintels of the Victorian buildings in the surrounding area.
At the top level of each block (level 4 and level 6), high-quality metal cladding has been used, coloured to blend in with local roofing materials.
View of the proposal looking down Moss Lane East.
Facade strategy
Height and Massing
The proposed design sees the building assume an L-shaped form, which frames the corner of Moss Lane East and Acomb Street, creating frontages that are respectful of the neighbouring properties. The tallest block is 6-storeys high along Moss Lane East and steps down to 4-storeys high, as the L shaped massing turns the corner on to the more residential scale of Acomb Street
Street elevations
Landscape and Access
A key aim for this proposal is to deliver an attractive living environment for residents and a
landscape design that is sustainable and compliments and improves the overall look and feel of the area.
A central feature of the landscape design is the rooftop gardens, which would offer residents a vital source of outdoor space while being able to enjoy expansive views across the city. A broad range of native wildflowers and planting would be integrated across the gardens, providing habitats for insects, birds and other forms of wildlife, whilst also helping to enhance the developments biodiversity.
A secure private garden has been carefully located at the back of the site, offering a high-quality hardscaped area with seating and planting for people to socialise and relax.
The area between the building and the pavement would comprise low maintenance, dense planting. Not only would it serve to improve the look and feel of the external areas around the building, but it would also provide security for residents and offer screening and privacy from the street.
This holistic approach to the landscape design not only enriches the natural environment on the site but also offers students a healthier and more sustainable living experience.
Precedent images showing what the interior of the development could look like
Access, Servicing and Waste Management
To ensure that disruption to neighbouring residents is kept to a minimum, we would provide funding for modifications to be made to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in the bay bounding the site on Acomb Street to allow the introduction of a loading bay. This will then be in place for use by the refuse vehicle and other day-to-day deliveries.
Have Your Say
The consultation on our proposal for College View will be open for three weeks, from Monday 8 July to Sunday 28 July 2024.
As part of the consultation, we’re keen to hear your views on our plans. If you would like to provide feedback, you can do so by completing our online questionnaire.
Alternatively, you can also tell us your views or ask any questions via email: consult@collegeview-manchester.com