PfP Students to manage landmark new University of Manchester accommodation scheme

PfP Students has been appointed to manage one of the UK's most significant new purpose-built student accommodation schemes, becoming part of the £530 million redevelopment of the University of Manchester's iconic Fallowfield campus.

The new development will provide 3,300 student rooms across five distinct neighbourhoods, creating a vibrant new place for students to live, study and connect. Designed around wellbeing, convenience and community, the scheme will offer students access to dedicated social and study spaces, extensive green areas and round-the-clock support.

Delivered through a 50-year partnership between the University of Manchester, Equitix, GRAHAM, PfP Students and Rothesay, the first 1,000 rooms are due to open in 2028, with further phases completing in 2029 and 2030.

As the accommodation manager, PfP Students will be responsible for the day-to-day running and maintenance of the residences, common areas and grounds, with dedicated staff on-site around the clock to support students throughout their university experience. Whether it's settling into university life, reporting a maintenance issue or accessing support when needed, students will always have someone on hand to help.

Eamonn Tierney, Managing Director at PfP Students, said:

"This is a hugely exciting project for PfP Students and a fantastic opportunity to help shape the experience of thousands of University of Manchester students."

More than just a place to live, the new Fallowfield development has been designed around the needs of modern students. Dedicated wellbeing facilities, bookable study and social spaces, music practice rooms, landscaped courtyards and neighbourhood hubs will help create a strong sense of community while giving students the space and support they need to thrive.

Each neighbourhood will feature its own local hub, providing practical facilities including study areas, postal services and laundrettes, helping make day-to-day student life as convenient as possible.

"Fallowfield will set a new standard for student accommodation, combining exceptional sustainability credentials with spaces designed around wellbeing, community and the needs of modern students."

The scheme will also set a new benchmark for sustainable student living. Designed to achieve Passivhaus certification and net zero carbon operations, the development is expected to use around half the energy of a conventional new-build student accommodation scheme while also delivering an 11.7% biodiversity net gain. For students, that means living in accommodation designed to be more energy efficient, more environmentally responsible and more comfortable throughout the year.

The wider development will include a student bar, extended catering facilities and a range of social spaces designed to help students connect, relax and make the most of university life outside of their studies. Alongside dedicated study areas and music practice rooms, the facilities have been designed to help students build friendships, pursue their interests and feel part of a thriving student community.

Student wellbeing has been a key consideration throughout the design of the development. Alongside accessible accommodation, students will benefit from dedicated wellbeing facilities and features designed with neurodiverse students in mind.

"Having a safe, supportive place to live is vital to helping students thrive during their studies, a commitment seen in PfP Student’s purpose and our Room to Belong campaign.” is the message reflected by Eamonn Tierney.

Beyond the accommodation itself, the wider redevelopment is expected to generate almost a quarter of a billion pounds in social value through jobs, apprenticeships, employability initiatives, work experience opportunities, local supply chain spending and student-focused activities.

For future University of Manchester students, the redevelopment represents far more than new accommodation. It's the creation of a new student community designed to support every part of university life, from studying and socialising to wellbeing and personal growth, helping students feel at home from the moment they arrive.

We're looking forward to working alongside the University and our partners to welcome the first students to the new Fallowfield campus in 2028.