Manchester student residence approved

Alumno Student in Manchester has been granted permission to build a nine-storey high student residence near the Mancunian Way.

The development is on a site currently occupied by the Church Inn public house, which has fallen into disuse as it is no longer viable to run.

The developer collaborated with the local community and Manchester City Council.

The project will consist of 62 studio apartments, along with a communal area, rooftop terrace, office and storage space for 12 bikes.

David Campbell, managing director of Alumno, said: “We are also working to provide pioneering navigation aids using GPS wayfinding technology to help visually impaired students, and will install CCTV surveillance equipment to ensure the site is safe and secure, and deter anti-social behaviour.

“As usual with our student residences, we’ll also commission new public art to enhance the public space around the building.

“We’re hoping that getting the green light on this exciting project will provide a much-needed boost to our industry during these tough times.”

The development is said to support two key ambitions of Manchester City Council.

First, to prioritise purpose-built student accommodation to protect family homes from conversion to multiple occupation properties.

Second, to achieve a zero-carbon target for Manchester by establishing student accommodation close to the University, reducing the need for travel and minimising emissions.

Alumno will also work in partnership with charity One Manchester to secure a £50,000 fund for local projects.