Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan finalise groundbreaking partnership

• Unite Students and Manchester Metropolitan University have finalised a joint venture to deliver 2,302 new student beds 

• The Cambridge Halls redevelopment will enhance the supply and quality of the University’s on‑campus accommodation 

• A community‑first design introduces affordable rooms and a super‑sized kitchen‑dining‑lounge for 400 students 

• The project will deliver a new community health centre and wellbeing‑focused amenities such as a rooftop exercise area, sports pitches and an allotment  

Unite Students, the UK’s largest and longest‑established provider of student accommodation, has finalised its joint venture with Manchester Metropolitan University to develop 2,302 new student beds.

The redevelopment of Cambridge Halls – Unite Students largest scheme to date – represents a major investment in the student experience and will play a key role in supporting Manchester Met’s commitment to providing modern, supportive and affordable places to live and learn. The project forms part of the University’s wider plan to create a truly, modern campus for its 44,000 students that underpins its strong graduate outcomes and employability record. 

The funding structure for this innovative partnership will see Unite Students act as developer, asset manager and operator. Unite Students will hold a 70% stake in the £390 million venture, allowing the University to focus its resources on teaching, research and student support.   

The development has been designed with input from students as it’s increasingly recognised that, high‑quality, safe and supportive accommodation plays a major role in where they choose to study. 

The new property boasts a range of room types, including a mix of cluster and studio flats, and a variety of high‑quality amenities such as a rooftop exercise area, sports pitches and an allotment. For students seeking more affordable accommodation options, a communal catering floor will provide access to a large, shared kitchen, dining and lounge space for up to 400 students. 

In addition to improving the supply and quality of Manchester Met’s on-campus accommodation, the redeveloped Cambridge Halls site will incorporate a new community health centre.  

Joe Lister, Chief Executive at 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. 

“By substantially increasing the number of beds at Cambridge Halls, we’re also playing our part in freeing up privately rented homes for local families and young professionals.” 

Andrew Fallon, Chief Property Officer, Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “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. We look forward to continuing our work with Unite Students to bring these benefits to life.” 

This investment builds on Manchester Met’s 20‑year partnership with Unite Students and reflects both organisations’ commitment to an outstanding residential experience. Unite Students brings Gold GSLI accreditation to the partnership, while Manchester Met ranks seventh nationally for student experience, was named Modern University of the Year 2026 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and holds a TEF Gold rating. The University supports a community of 40,000 students. 

About the development 

• The new Cambridge Halls development received planning permission in September 2025 and will replace the University’s existing 770-bed student accommodation, which was built in the 1990s and is set to be demolished early this year. 

• Phase one (1,101 beds) will be ready for the 2029/30 academic year and phase two (1,201 beds) will open for 2030/31. 

Chatham Street view of Cambridge Halls