Plans are now underway to redevelop the Octagon House site on Hathersage Road in Manchester, driven by businessman and landowner Richard Everton alongside the Manchester-based architectural firm Hodder and Partners. This public consultation aims to reshape the site into a mixed-use development, primarily focused on purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). The proposal includes four blocks, incorporating the existing 100,000 square foot Octagon House, with the vision of creating a vibrant community that fosters ongoing engagement throughout the year.
The Vision for Octagon House
The ambition behind this redevelopment is to create a practical regeneration project that not only serves the needs of students but also benefits the existing community in Ardwick. Richard Everton expressed a desire to craft a residential environment that encourages a genuine mix of residents, thereby supporting Manchester’s broader growth objectives. By increasing activity levels throughout the day and into the evening, the project seeks to enhance local placemaking, boost the sense of safety and security for residents, and generate increased foot traffic for nearby retail outlets and services.
Design and Community Engagement
The design process has been centred on the effective reuse of the Octagon House, introducing lively frontages and community amenities. The proposal aims to transform the site into a more active and positive space within the neighbourhood. Everton emphasised the importance of working collaboratively with local residents to shape the plans, ensuring that the redevelopment meets the needs of both students and local service workers. The aim is to establish a robust year-round community that delivers visible benefits to current residents and the wider area.
Project Details and Next Steps
The development is projected to include approximately 700 bedrooms spread across a three-acre plot at the junction of Hathersage Road and Carmoor Road. The planning consultancy firm Turley is overseeing the project, while Keeble Brown is leading the community engagement and stakeholder consultation efforts. As the proposals evolve, there will be further opportunities for local residents to engage with the plans and provide input before any formal planning application is submitted.