A Reserved Matters Planning Application has officially been submitted for the redevelopment of University of Manchester's Fallowfield Campus, which is set to be delivered partly by Northern Ireland construction firm GRAHAM.

Equitix and Derwent FM make up the rest of the partnership, labelled the Viridis Consortium.

The application sets out detailed proposals relating to the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the scheme, which covers Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall.

It builds on the Outline Planning Permission granted in January 2024.

The ambitious redevelopment plans include the creation of 3,300 modern, high-quality student bedspaces, along with dedicated amenity space, ancillary residential dwellings and greenspaces.

Five distinct neighbourhoods that celebrate local history and character, and a central hub as an anchor and heart of the campus, are features of the scheme.


The demolition of the Owens Park Tower and surrounding buildings is ongoing. Enabling works are progressing in preparation for the main construction programme, which will commence in 2026. The phased handover of buildings will allow students to move into their new homes at different points from 2027 through to 2030.

GRAHAM has led the planning process in collaboration with the University of Manchester, architects, Sheppard Robson, and planning consultants, Deloitte.

Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director for the Fallowfield Campus, said: "The planning submission is a further important milestone for the Fallowfield Campus project. It is the culmination of months of challenging work and an intensive programme of engagement with the University, staff, students and the local community. We believe the submitted plans will create an exemplar sustainable campus that will enhance the experience of the University’s next generation of students."

Sustainable design and construction are embedded within the proposals. The development will be one of the largest Passivhaus developments in the world – meaning the buildings will use less energy, promote good indoor air quality and maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.

The development is also targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, a further independent sustainability assessment. The preservation of the mature landscape and enhanced green spaces are embedded within the plans.

Click here for more information on the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment.