Kampus, Manchester, for Capital & Centric and HBD, with Native Residential, Mecanoo, shedkm and Chapman Taylor

At the old site of ​​Manchester Metropolitan University, Kampus is composed of 5 buildings with a GBA of 67,000sqm. The project hosts 534 build-to-rent apartments along with 40,000 square feet of independent bars, cafés and restaurants, acting as an extension to Canal Street. The £250m space has further uses ranging from food and drink festivals, to cultural events and art-driven spaces.

Who is on the project team? (designer, consultants, etc)

Operator: Native Residential

Architects: Mecanoo, shedkm Chapman Taylor

Landscape architect: Exterior Architecture

Contractor: Mount Anvil

Planning consultant: Deloitte

Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and people.

Kampus is a significant regeneration story for Manchester. The £250 million neighbourhood was once home to Manchester Metropolitan University and the site has been transformed into a new residential destination set across a range of buildings, including Victorian canal-side warehouses and the brutalist 1960s tower. The collaboration between Capital¢ric and HBD started in 2014. The JV has worked tirelessly, ensuring that the original vision for Kampus was realised, cementing its reputation as Manchester’s most unique, new urban neighbourhood. Since winning the Place in Progress award in 2020, Kampus has become widely recognised as one of the most iconic canal-side redevelopments in the UK. The mixed-use project encompasses 534 Build-to-Rent (BTR) apartments along with 40,000 square feet of independent bars, cafés and restaurants, acting as an extension to Canal Street and creating a new route into the city centre. The asset is now stabilised reaching 95% occupancy . The gardens at Kampus offer the fine balance of modern, quiet outside space designed for residents while also serving as the perfect venue for engaging public events allowing the ground floor independent businesses to spill out into the courtyard, creating a festival atmosphere. The Bungalow at Kampus serves as the local village hall, with a primary mission of giving back to the community. It offers free space to organisations and local businesses. Kampus residents enjoy exclusive privileges, such as priority access to event bookings and year-round discounts for activities within this space. 

How has this place adapted, and how does it continue to adapt, to changing demographics, behaviors, market context, policy, transport habits and the climate crisis? What makes it resilient?

Having revitalised dilapidated brutalist structures into a captivating urban residential development, Kampus has seamlessly transformed into a stabilised Build to Rent asset. Catering to a diverse demographic, from international students to young professionals and empty nesters, Kampus has become synonymous with a high-quality living experience and convenient access to cultural amenities. Launched amid the pandemic, the gardens have not only added to the aesthetic appeal but also provided residents with a safe and secure outdoor environment. The ground floor strategy, exclusively featuring independent businesses, has created a symbiotic relationship. These ventures benefit from a guaranteed residential footfall, fostering growth and innovation. The Bungalow, serving as a safe and accessible space, has played a pivotal role in nurturing start-ups that have flourished into highly successful enterprises. Kampus’ commitment to community extends to its events, which are not only free but also inclusive, catering to families and individuals of all ages. The development’s proximity to Canal Street has nurtured a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with Kampus firmly establishing itself on the festival map through its lively Pride celebrations and festivities. With limited parking facilities, Kampus actively encourages residents and visitors to embrace an active lifestyle, capitalising on the extensive public transport options available in the area. By prioritising community engagement, supporting local food, drink and coffee starts up as well as promoting a vibrant and diverse atmosphere, Kampus has not only redefined urban living but has also become a model for sustainable and inclusive development. 

Please share any data or evidence about the social, economic and environmental performance of this place, or any relevant figures such as footfall, visitors, engagement metrics, residents, etc

“A melting pot of buildings and spaces, Kampus will celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the city with respect to the historic quality of Canal Street.” E Architect www.e-architect.com/manchester/kampus-former-manchester-metropolitan-university

“There’s something for everyone at this new garden neighbourhood” www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/best-places-manchester-after-work-24478867

“Kampus is a true celebration of the city’s independents,” “They’ve absolutely knocked it out of the park, pretty much blowing anywhere else in the city out of the water.” www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2091385-property-round-up-cbre-kampus-urban-splash