Property Week Winner 2020 Developer of the Year

Alumno Celebrates The Topping Out at Church Inn, Manchester

Our new student accommodation at Church Inn, Manchester, celebrated reaching the top level with a Topping Out Ceremony which was attended by a range of stakeholders and the core design team. Built on a site south of the city centre previously occupied by the disused Church Inn public house and close to major arterial road The Mancunian Way, the nine-storey building will consist of 62 studio apartments, along with a communal area, rooftop terrace, office and storage space for 16 bikes. Landscaping will also be carried out to highlight the history of the site, with the reclaimed façade bricks being used to create a bespoke seating area outside the development. The location is close to a range of facilities and departments of Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester School of Art, Manchester Business School and the University of Manchester.

(L to R) Construction Director Anthony Judge, Managing Director David Campbell, CEO Lee Powell and Divisional Managing Director Marc Banks

Built by the GMI Construction Group, the development supports two key ambitions of Manchester City Council. First, to prioritize purpose-built student accommodation to protect family homes from conversion to multiple occupation properties. Second, to achieve a zero-carbon target for Manchester by establishing student accommodation close to educational establishments, reducing the need for travel and minimizing emissions.

Topping out Ceremony at Church Inn

Scheduled for completion for the start of the 2022 academic year, the development has been designed by Carson & Partners to enhance and complement the local area. It will also directly benefit the adjacent community, with Alumno partnering charity One Manchester to secure a £50,000 fund for local community projects.

Team group photo

“We are also working to provide pioneering navigation aids using GPS wayfinding technology to help visually impaired students, and will install CCTV surveillance equipment to ensure the site is safe and secure, and deter anti-social behaviour,” explained Alumno Managing Director David Campbell. “I’m delighted we have reached this landmark stage on schedule, and as usual with our student residences, look forward to commissioning new public art to further enhance the public space around the building.”

News Links:

Click here to view BDC report and here for Linkdin

Click Here to view GMI Construction report

Click Here to view PBC Today report

Click Here to view Property Magazine report

Follow Alumno on Instagram @alumnogram and Twitter @AlumnoGroup