Car park demolition could start later this year

A new 38-storey tower could be built in Manchester in a development for 1,000 new student homes.

The scheme is based at the disused Charles Street multi-storey car park, based roughly between Oxford Road and Piccadilly train station and next to the railway viaduct that passes through the city centre.

It sits on what is known as ‘Plot H’ within the wider ‘Sister’ regeneration project based in the area.

Since 2024, the car park and former shop units based on the land have been sitting empty according to planning reports, but now the land could be transformed in the joint plans by RG Real Estate Ltd, ID Manchester Ltd, and the University of Manchester.

Proposals for the land could see it developed with three towers, these would be eight, ten, and 38 stories tall.

A total of 1,041 bedspaces would be part of the scheme, to be used as purpose-built student accommodation.

These would be a mix of studios as well as cluster flats – which is where bedrooms are arranged around communal areas.

According to the planning application, growing the student population in the area could pump an extra £6.7m into the local economy.

Changes could also be made to the surrounding streets too, with a ‘generous pedestrian boulevard along Altrincham Street’, a new square, and with landscaping features along Charles Street itself.

The scheme is set to be a ‘car-free’ development apart from two disabled parking spaces along Charles Street.

A planning report set out the vision: ‘The development will deliver 1,041 purpose-built student bedspaces with outstanding amenities, including a gym, social and study spaces, to support residents’ welfare, and c.612 sq m flexible commercial space at ground floor to help enliven the Sister district.’

During a public consultation, some concerns were raised about the plans.

The planning report stated: ‘Overall, pre-application engagement has been constructive, supporting an effective iterative design process.

‘Key issues raised have included the potential impact of the proposed development on daylight/sunlight, safety and visibility of public realm, and impact of the new student population.’

A separate planning application to demolish the existing multi-storey car park building has already been approved.

Subject to planning permission being granted, construction of the three towers at Charles Street could take around three years in total.

Reports submitted to the council suggest that demolition of the car park could start later this year, with the construction phases continuing until 2030.