Student accommodation regeneration begins in Fallowfield with Owens Park Tower demolition

25 Jun 2025

Owens Park Tower was recently demolished ahead of our wider regeneration.

Background

Preparations to build are getting underway on the site of the Owens Park Tower, as part of our wider regeneration of the Fallowfield Campus. 

The Tower was taken out of service in 2021 with demolition beginning in 2024. It was completed in Spring 2025, with the demolition carried out by Manchester-based company P.P. O’Connor. 

Modern and high-quality student accommodation will be built on the site, bringing the wider Fallowfield Campus offering up to 5,400 student beds. The project will deliver 3,300 updated bedspaces as well as replacing some of the existing accommodation. 

Planning permission for the new accommodation was secured following public consultation with local groups, residents, staff and students. 

Owens Park Tower will be remembered fondly as a focal point of the Fallowfield Campus by our former residents and alumni. 

Built in the 1960s, Owens Park housed thousands of students every year, and previous famous residents include actor Benedict Cumberbatch, comedian Rik Mayall, and Radiohead guitarist Ed O'Brien. 

Redevelopment of the site

Barra Mac Ruairí, Chief Property Officer said: “Owens Park Tower will always be remembered by generations of staff and students. For many of our alumni, it was their first home in this city.  

“But a great new chapter awaits our Fallowfield Campus, and I am excited to see our bold vision for modern student accommodation, which reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional living environment, come to life.” 

Along with Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall will eventually also be redeveloped. The changes come at a time of increasing demand for student accommodation in Manchester, with the University committed to providing inclusive and safe accommodation in sociable surroundings.  

The consortium Virdis (comprised of John Graham Construction Ltd, Equitix and Derwent FM) is driving the Fallowfield Campus redevelopment project forward in line with the University’s aspiration to create a greener, more sustainable future at the campus, rooted in the delivery of an unrivalled student experience. 

Dr Simon Merrywest, Executive Director for the Student Experience at The University of Manchester, said: “Every student that studies with us deserves a safe place to call home and a learning environment that supports them in reaching their full potential. We are investing in our Fallowfield Campus to ensure it meets the needs of our students. 

“We are always listening and working to improve the experience of our students, and we understand the availability of high-quality, good value student accommodation is insufficient in this city. The changes to our Fallowfield Campus will bring seismic benefits to our student community, from the moment they arrive to the day they graduate.”