Help Shape the Future of 10-12 Whitworth Street West
Thank you for visiting our consultation website for new purpose-built student accommodation at 10–12 Whitworth Street West.
Fusion Group is bringing forward early proposals for a high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation development in the heart of Manchester. The plans will deliver a 38-storey building that will provide 826 student apartments, including a mix of studio flats and shared cluster apartments, alongside shared social, wellness and study spaces.
Our vision is to create a building that supports student wellbeing, respects its surroundings, and contributes to the long-term vibrancy of the city centre.
The site sits within one of Manchester’s most dynamic areas, next to Deansgate Locks, and just a short walk from both university campuses. It’s surrounded by everything that makes Manchester a vibrant place to study – from lectures and libraries to gigs, cafés, and nights out, everything is close by.
Before we finalise our plans, we want to hear from you. Your views will help shape the design and ensure the building reflects what students in Manchester really want from their accommodation.
Why Your Input Matters
This consultation is an opportunity to help shape a new development in one of Manchester’s most well-connected and evolving neighbourhoods.
We want this development to reflect the needs and priorities of the people who will live nearby, study in the city, and spend time in the area. Whether you are a student, a neighbour, a local business, or simply interested in how the city is changing, your feedback matters.
The consultation is open from Monday 18 August to Friday 26 September 2025. All responses will be carefully reviewed and used to help finalise the proposals before a planning application is submitted to Manchester City Council later this year.
Why This Site? Meeting Manchester’s Student Housing Needs
Located next to Deansgate Locks and close to the Rochdale Canal, the site is within easy reach of the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and two of the city’s busiest train stations: Oxford Road and Deansgate.
This central position makes it ideal for purpose-built student accommodation – meeting growing demand while reducing pressure on family homes and shared housing elsewhere in the city.
Well-connected and surrounded by some of the best that Manchester has to offer – from independent venues and cultural institutions to cafés, shops, and nightlife – the redevelopment will deliver a high-quality, sustainable building that complements its surroundings and contributes to the wider city-centre community.
Designed for Student Life
At Fusion Group, we believe a student home should be more than just a place to sleep. Our development at 10-12 Whitworth Street West is designed to create a safe, supportive and sustainable community in the heart of Manchester.
Modern Student Living
Bright, well-designed rooms with private bathrooms, study space, and smart storage – everything students need to live and learn in comfort.
Wellbeing & Community
Social lounges, quiet study areas, and an on-site gym, all supported by a friendly, professional team to help students feel safe, supported and connected.
Sustainable by Design
Energy-efficient features, sustainable materials, and excellent public transport links to encourage walking, cycling and active travel.
Boosting the Local Area
A vibrant student community that supports local cafés, shops, music venues and businesses, helping the city centre thrive.
Why This Site Works
Located next to Deansgate Locks and close to both major universities, 10–12 Whitworth Street West is perfectly placed for student life. With lectures, libraries, shops, nightlife, and culture all within walking distance, it’s an ideal base for studying, socialising, and exploring Manchester.
Virtual Exhibition
Why It Matters for Manchester
Purpose-Built Student Homes
High-quality accommodation designed specifically for students, providing a safe and comfortable place to live while studying in Manchester’s city centre.
Sustainable by Design
Energy-efficient features, sustainable materials, and low-carbon technologies to help meet Manchester’s climate goals and reduce the development’s carbon footprint.
Excellent Connections
Within walking distance of both major universities, Oxford Road and Deansgate stations, and surrounded by shops, cultural venues, and nightlife. Well-connected for walking, cycling, and public transport.
Boosting the Local Area
A vibrant, full-time student community that supports local cafés, shops, music venues, and independent businesses, helping the city centre thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of accommodation will be provided?
The development will offer purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), designed specifically to meet the needs of students studying in Manchester. This means modern, safe, and comfortable rooms with communal spaces to support student life.
How many new homes will be provided?
The plans will deliver a 38-storey building that will provide 826 student apartments, including a mix of studio flats and shared cluster apartments, alongside shared social, wellness and study spaces.
Where is the development located?
The building is in the heart of Manchester city centre, close to both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as cafes, bars, shops, and cultural hotspots.
What amenities can I expect in this development as a student?
Fusion developments are known for providing much more than just a place to sleep. You can expect a range of high-quality amenities designed to support your wellbeing and social life. These typically include study spaces, a cinema room, gym and fitness areas, games lounges, private dining rooms and lively communal areas. The building will also have a 24-hour reception, on-site management and secure entry, so you always feel safe and supported.
How will this development affect the local housing market?
By providing dedicated student accommodation, the development helps reduce pressure on family homes and limits the number of houses converted into multiple occupancy (HMOs) nearby, supporting more balanced neighbourhoods.
Will there be any impact on local music venues and nightlife?
We understand the importance of Manchester’s music scene. Our scheme will be designed with high-quality sound insulation, full-time on-site management, and 24/7 security to ensure a positive relationship with local venues and nightlife.
How will you engage with the local community?
We are committed to open and accessible engagement. We are delivering leaflets to residents and businesses in the local area and using social media to spread the word. The public consultation will run for more than five weeks, from Monday 18 August to Friday 26 September 2025, giving people plenty of time to share their views.
How can I share my views?
The consultation is open from Monday 18 August to Friday 26 September 2025. You can submit feedback via this website or email the team at consultation@whitworthstreetwest.co.uk. All feedback will help shape the final proposals before they are submitted to Manchester City Council.
Have Your Say: Tell Us What You Think
We’re at an early stage in the planning process and want to hear your views. Your feedback will help shape the final plans before they are submitted to Manchester City Council.
Please share your feedback by Friday 26 September.
Fields with a * are mandatory
Get In Touch
- Email us with your comments, questions and/or feedback: consultation@whitworthstreetwest.co.uk
- Call our community line: 0161 711 0293 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm)
- Write to us: FREEPOST SHAPE TOMORROW
All feedback received will be summarised in a Statement of Community Involvement which will be submitted to Manchester City Council alongside the planning application later this year.
Who We Are & What We Do
Creating homes where students can succeed
Fusion Group is a leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) across the UK, with over 10,000 homes delivered since 2006. We focus on creating high-quality, modern living spaces that promote wellbeing, community and sustainability.
Our developments in key university cities including York, Liverpool, Nottingham and Brent Cross are designed not just to meet student needs but to positively contribute to the wider city.
Our experience at a glance:
York
A 275-bed development blending modern student living with the historic character of one of the UK’s most iconic university cities.
Liverpool
A striking city-centre building with social and recreational amenities such as a basketball court, gaming zone and karaoke room.
Brent Cross
A development setting new standards in student wellbeing and design, featuring a cinema, community spaces and excellent transport links across London.
What makes Fusion different?
- Inclusive, supportive environments that foster diverse, welcoming communities
- A strong focus on wellbeing and mental health – offering integrated support, quiet zones and fitness facilities
- Innovative, functional spaces tailored to modern student life
- Social programmes that celebrate local culture and build vibrant communities
- Professional management providing round-the-clock support for residents and neighbours
From Cardiff to Sheffield, Leeds to Hatfield, Fusion creates more than accommodation; we create homes and neighbourhood hubs where students thrive.