Manchester councillors are expected to approve plans for thousands of new student homes in city-centre towers next week, despite a total of 157 objections from residents. The schemes are set to replace a multi-storey car park and expand existing student halls, adding more than 3,500 bedrooms.
Three towers planned for Charles Street car park
The first scheme proposes three blocks of eight, ten and 38 storeys to replace the Charles Street multi-storey car park in central Manchester, delivering 1,041 student bedrooms. The site has been earmarked for development due to its 'highly accessible' location with access to trains, trams and buses.
However, 88 objections have been raised against the plans. Objectors called the number of student bedrooms 'completely unreasonable' and warned that removing the car park could lead to 'further congesting car park spaces in the suburbs around the city centre which are already full of cars, making the streets extremely dangerous for children.'
Second scheme faces 69 objections
A separate application, based on land at the Weston student halls and Pendulum Hotel on Sackville Street, aims to build another 2,511 student rooms across four buildings, the tallest reaching 50 floors. This proposal has drawn 69 objections from local residents.
One objector said the scale of student bedrooms planned for the area could turn that corner of the city centre into a 'small town' itself. Another warned: 'The development would generate large numbers of deliveries, taxis and vehicle movements, especially during student move-in and move-out periods. This is likely to cause congestion, noise and safety issues on streets that are already very busy.'
Economic benefits and decision date
Council officers examining the plans said the schemes would bring 'significant economic benefits' to Manchester, creating 220 jobs over seven years and adding more than £240m to the Greater Manchester economy. Green Party Councillor Ross Stevens has also objected, calling for the plans to be examined in more detail.
The schemes are due for a decision at the council planning committee on Thursday, October 22, where council officers have recommended approval for both.
