Graham has received Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator for the University of Manchester’s £530m ($702m) Fallowfield campus redevelopment in the UK.
The authorisation permits construction on what is described as the world’s largest single-phase Passivhaus-certified purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project to move ahead.
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The authorisation includes all 29 planned residential blocks at the site, following a review of fire safety, structural and construction information submitted under the requirements of the Building Safety Act.
The decision covers seven high-rise buildings that exceed the higher-risk threshold of either 18m or seven storeys, as well as 22 lower-rise blocks on the campus.
According to Graham, this approval comes after partial consent granted in January 2026 for two of the scheme’s 14-storey buildings.
The first application to the Building Safety Regulator was filed in June 2025, three months prior to achieving full planning permission.
The redevelopment is being delivered through a 50-year partnership between the University of Manchester, Graham, Equitix and Rothesay, with Rothesay serving as the principal investor.
The phased scheme is set to open its first 1,000 student rooms in 2028, with final completion expected in 2030.
When finished, the development will offer 3,300 student bedrooms as well as shared spaces, replacing the former Oak House, Owens Park and Woolton Hall residences.
The design aims for Passivhaus certification, targeting operational energy consumption around 50% lower than conventional student buildings.
The construction uses modern methods, including off-site production of roughly 4,150 precast concrete panels by Techrete at facilities in Ireland and North Lincolnshire.
The panels employ low-carbon concrete and combine insulation with structural layers to reduce embodied carbon.
Graham Investment Projects strategic development director Neil McFarlane said: “Reaching Gateway 2 approval across the whole of Fallowfield Campus is a huge achievement for the entire project team.
“Together with our partners, we’re looking forward to seeing this scheme come to fruition, delivering lasting benefits for the Manchester student body and setting a precedent for sustainable PBSA schemes across the UK.”
The new campus will include amenities such as a bar, bookable social spaces, music rooms, study areas and dedicated well-being facilities.
The project will also offer a range of rent levels and financial support measures to help ease cost-of-living pressures for students.
The University plans to continue working with the Students’ Union to support student needs during the redevelopment.
The completed campus will feature five residential neighbourhoods, new green spaces, and improved routes for walking and cycling.
