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[BUSINESS] · United Kingdom · 2 sources

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University of Manchester secures £530m net-zero student housing partnership

University of Manchester Rothesay Passivhaus net-zero student housing £530m

Financial close has been reached on a £530 million development to rebuild the University of Manchester's Fallowfield student campus. The 50‑year partnership involves the university, institutional investors Equitix and Rothesay, and contractor Graham. Rothesay, the UK’s largest specialist pensions insurer, is providing the majority of the funding.

The scheme will deliver 3,300 student bedspaces – 900 more than the current capacity – across five neighbourhoods, with the first 1,000 rooms expected to open in 2028 and full completion by 2030. It is designed to achieve Passivhaus certification, making it the world’s largest single‑phase Passivhaus student accommodation project, and to operate at net‑zero carbon, using roughly half the energy of conventional new‑build student housing.

Sustainability measures include a fabric‑first approach, passive design, heat‑recovery systems, photovoltaic panels and air‑source heat pumps, as well as a biodiversity net‑gain target of 11.7 % through new habitats, orchards and biosolar roofs. Investors anticipate a £250 million social return on investment from jobs, apprenticeships, local supply‑chain spend and funded student activities.

Entities

Equitix · Graham Group · Rothesay · Torsten Bell · University of Manchester

Claims

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Sources

Rothesay backs Fallowfield PBSA partnership as majority funder - Place North West [www.placenorthwest.co.uk]
Deal reached on £530m net-zero student digs at University of Manchester - Construction Management [constructionmanagement.co.uk]