Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan University have formed a joint venture to replace ageing Cambridge Halls with 2,300 new student beds by 2029-2030, addressing Manchester’s student housing shortage and promising enhanced community facilities. Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) have entered into a joint venture (JV) to develop 2,300 new student bed spaces at the Cambridge Halls site in Manchester city centre, with plans for completion in 2029 and 2030.

This initiative aims to replace the existing accommodation, originally constructed in the 1990s, which currently houses 770 beds that no longer meet contemporary student needs. The decision to close the current facilities marks a significant step towards enhancing student housing in the area, with on-site work expected to commence later this year. Manchester is recognised as the UK's second-largest university city, hosting over 100,000 full-time students across four universities. Currently, the city faces a notable shortage of purpose-built student accommodation, with a ratio of 3.6 full-time students per bed, compared to the national average of 3.2.

The introduction of the new beds through the JV will contribute to increasing Unite’s operational capacity in Manchester to nearly 8,000 beds upon completion, which is anticipated to improve operational efficiencies in the housing sector. Andrew Fallon, Chief Property Officer at Manchester Metropolitan University, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are delighted to announce our partnership with Unite Students for the redevelopment of Cambridge Halls. This joint venture will provide much needed additional purpose-built student accommodation in Manchester, right on the doorstep of our University. The project will not only enhance the quality of housing for students, but also benefit the surrounding community through new health, wellbeing, and retail offerings."

Joe Lister, Chief Executive Officer of Unite Students, conveyed similar sentiments, describing the partnership as a "hugely exciting step" for the organisation. He noted, “Partnering with Manchester Metropolitan University to redevelop Cambridge Halls and deliver much needed, high-quality and affordable accommodation for 2,300 students is a hugely exciting step for Unite Students. Our joint-venture partnership will provide further support to Manchester Metropolitan University in meeting their accommodation needs at a time of real housing shortage, so they can focus on providing a world-class experience for their students.

” The joint venture is anticipated to not only address the pressing housing shortage for students but also to stimulate economic activity in the region by introducing new facilities and services that will benefit both the student population and the local community.