River Street Tower, Manchester

A dilapidated seven storey concrete frame which previously occupied the Garwood Street and Mancunian Way site is being replaced with £110m student accommodation scheme developed by Downing.

The SimpsonHaugh-designed development involves the demolition of existing structures onsite and the construction of three distinct volumes. With a total of 791 student beds split across five and ten storey clusters facing River Street and respectively Garwood Street, plus a 32-storey tower; the new build student accommodation regenerates the Great Jackson Street Area through its architectural composition.

“This scheme will contribute to the wider regeneration objectives of the city centre and increase the choice of accommodation available to future students, which will help to enhance Manchester’s reputation as a first-choice destination for higher education.” – Ed Britton, assistant director at Deloitte Real Estate.

Paying tribute to the shades of copper surrounding the local area of River Street’s built environment, the outer elevations comprise of Cor-Ten weathered steel rainscreen cladding panels. On the ground floor façade brickwork will be visible. The glazing on this level will be supported by cold rolled SFS as infill panels.

A combination of dark-blue painted glass rainscreen and dark-blue metal panels will cover the inner elevations. The layered sequence of surfaces will form a visually striking contrast between the strong textures of the weathered steel and the lightweight feel of the reflective painted glass.

The vertical elements of the superstructure are cast in-situ traditionally reinforced concrete whereas the horizontal ones are post tensioned cast in-situ slabs.

Wintech were engaged to support the safe design and delivery of the project with Downing Construction Ltd in an effort to reinvigorate the University districts and assist in creating a landmark for Manchester’s Southern Gateway.

Completion is scheduled for September 2020.

Images courtesy of Simpson Haugh & Partners. 

CGIs created by Our Studio.