Vita Announces Plans for 580-Bed Manchester Student

12/6/23

Student accommodation specialists Vita has announced plans for a 580-bed student building at the First Street development site in Manchester. The 14-storey tower will be constructed on a former car park lot on plot 10b of the First Street masterplan. Architect Tim Groom has designed the brick-clad structure to harmonise with surrounding buildings. The 'House of Social' project is a reimagining of student housing redesigned as multiple clusters within the block.

Each house offers an open-plan kitchen and lounge area for communal dining and entertainment. Large ensuite bedrooms will also be an attractive feature. The homes are designed with second and third-year students in mind. A food hall at ground level will offer seating for approximately 400 covers.

Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer for Vita Group, spoke about the project: "We are delighted to bring forward these exciting new plans for our new student brand House of Social, adding to the First Street masterplan and complementing our neighbouring Vita Student offering. 

"House of Social is the student house re-imagined, bringing students together at the most important time in their lives and allowing them to make lifelong friends whilst excelling in their studies."

Plans for a 13-storey 300,00 sqft net zero office scheme, designed by Jon Matthews Architects, are progressing on the adjacent plot following the submission of planning earlier this year. Vita hopes to be able to start work on House of Social later this year.

IMAGE: Vita - The project is a reimagining of student housing redesigned as multiple clusters within the block