Graham Construction secures £286 million contract for Manchester Metropolitan University student accommodation project

Northern Ireland-based construction company Graham has signed a £286 million contract to develop Cambridge Halls student accommodation at Manchester Metropolitan University in England, delivered through a joint venture between the university and Unite Students, the Irish News reported.

The long-term partnership will create 2,302 new student bedrooms as part of a major campus regeneration. The project includes demolition of the existing 1990s-era accommodation and construction of two new multi-storey buildings across two phases, providing a mix of cluster apartments and studios alongside internal and external amenity spaces.

The development will include ground-floor commercial space and a new community health centre fronting Cambridge Street, strengthening links between the campus and surrounding community.

Stephen Van den Hoek, regional director at Graham, said Cambridge Halls is a significant and complex regeneration project that will transform this part of the campus. "We are proud to have been appointed to work with Manchester Metropolitan University and Unite Students to deliver high-quality, sustainable accommodation that supports student wellbeing and long-term performance," Van den Hoek said. "Our team is looking forward to working collaboratively with all partners as the scheme moves forward."

Designed by Cartwright Pickard architects, the buildings will rise to up to 30 storeys and deliver high-quality, purpose-built accommodation. Designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, the buildings will incorporate a highly thermally efficient fabric with a wide suite of low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies.

The privately-owned Hillsborough-headquartered national construction and development company reported £1.06 billion turnover and currently has a £2 billion-plus pipeline of secured work.

Demolition is underway, with construction scheduled to start later this year, phase one completion in 2029 and phase two following in 2030.

Read the complete article on Graham's £286 million Manchester Metropolitan University contract award.