GMI Construction has reached the landmark topping out stage for a new Manchester student accommodation block, developed by Alumno
The nine-storey building, built on a site south of Manchester and previously occupied by the disused Church Inn public house, is close to a major arterial road – The Mancunian Way.
The development will consist of 62 studio apartments, a communal area, rooftop terrace, office space and storage space for 16 bikes. Reclaimed façade bricks are being used to create a bespoke seating area outside of the development and highlight the history of the site.
Located close to university departments
The new residency is located close to departments of Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester School of Art, Manchester Business School and the University of Manchester.
The accommodation block has been constructed in line with 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 educational establishments to reduce travel emissions
Following the topping out ceremony, it is predicted that the building will be completed for the start of the 2022 academic year.
Carson & Partners, designer of the development, have assured that the building will enhance and complement the local area. It will also directly benefit the surrounding community, with Alumno partnering charity One Manchester to secure a £50,000 fund for local community projects.
‘The topping out stage’
“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,” explained Alumno managing director David Campbell.
“I’m delighted we have reached this landmark stage on schedule, and as usual with our student residences, look forward to commissioning new public art to further enhance the public space around the building.”
Commenting on the project, Iain Carson from Carson & Partners said:
“It’s exciting to see another of our projects with Alumno that will rejuvenate and enhance the local area reach the topping out stage.”
Marc Banks of GMI added:
“Getting to this stage is a real team effort, and we’re all looking forward to going full steam ahead to ensure students can benefit from the building in 2022.”
