Manchester co-living development, Square Gardens by Downing Living, has reached full completion with the opening of its final phase, The Fernley.
Both Acer and the Fernley, comprising 1,187 and 585 homes respectively, are now fully let.
Located in the city’s busy First Street district, Square Gardens has utility bills included, as well as access to landscaped gardens, a gym, co-working areas, lounges and private dining rooms.
Sally O’Brien, joint chief executive at Downing, said: “Square Gardens is more than a housing development, it’s a blueprint for how city living is evolving. The response has been overwhelming and shows just how much people want flexibility, connection and a ready-made community at the heart of Manchester.
“With national demand for co-living now far exceeding supply, Square Gardens is a powerful example of how this new way of living can thrive in UK cities.”
Some 20% of the apartments are designated affordable in line with agreements with Manchester City Council.
The Fernley also brings the unveiling of 18 luxury penthouses known as The Residencies. Set across the upper floors, the two-bedroom apartments feature open-plan layouts, separate bathrooms and panoramic views across Manchester’s skyline.
O’Brien added: “The Residencies complete the final piece of the jigsaw for Square Gardens, ensuring there is a home for every lifestyle, from affordable city-centre living through to premium apartments. What we’ve created is not just housing, but a genuine community designed around the needs of today’s renters.
“Now that we have debuted our co-living offering, we’re looking forward to what the future holds for this fresh way of living, across our portfolio and the wider market.”
