Unite Students to deliver 2,300-bed scheme in JV with Manchester Met

Unite Students has finalised a landmark joint venture with Manchester Metropolitan University to deliver 2,302 new student beds, in a scheme that sees the student housing specialist take on a rare end-to-end role as developer, asset manager and long-term operator.

The £390 million redevelopment of Cambridge Halls will see Unite hold a 70% stake in the project, allowing the University to expand its campus accommodation offer while focusing its own resources on teaching, research and student support.

Designed with direct input from students, the development aims to deliver a modern, affordable and wellbeing-focused living environment. A variety of room types will be complemented by shared amenities including a rooftop exercise area, sports pitches, an allotment, and a 400-capacity communal catering floor. The scheme will also include a new community health centre.

This is Unite Students’ largest scheme to date and forms part of Manchester Met’s wider strategy to create a future-ready campus for its 44,000-strong student body. Phase one, delivering 1,101 beds, is due to complete for the 2029/30 academic year, with the final phase completing in 2030/31.

Joe Lister, Chief Executive of Unite Students, said:

“We’re thrilled to finalise our joint venture partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and look forward to seeing the development begin to take shape this year. This new property will deliver modern, sustainable on-campus accommodation that meets the needs and expectations of today’s students.”

Andrew Fallon, Chief Property Officer at Manchester Metropolitan University, added:

“Finalising this joint venture will provide much needed additional purpose-built student accommodation in Manchester, right on the doorstep of our University. The redevelopment of Cambridge Halls marks an important milestone in our commitment to providing a truly modern campus for our students, colleagues and the community.”

The partnership builds on a 20-year relationship between the two organisations, with Unite Students bringing Gold GSLI accreditation and Manchester Met recently named Modern University of the Year 2026 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.