A significant £30 million redevelopment project in Manchester has successfully breathed new life into a historic city site, transforming it into a modern student accommodation complex. St Gabriel's Court on Oxford Place, adjacent to the bustling Oxford Road, now offers over 300 bedrooms following a major initiative by McLaren Property.
A Sensitive Blend of Old and New
The recently completed 321-bed complex spans a generous two-acre site. The project masterfully integrates the refurbishment of several historical buildings with the construction of two new four and five-storey blocks. The development welcomed its first student tenants in October, after construction began in 2023 by McLaren Construction Midlands and North.
Key historical buildings that have been preserved and repurposed include:
- St Gabriels Lodge, a 125-year-old structure.
- A distinctive old chapel, originally designed in 1963 by modernist architects Reynolds and Scott.
- Woodthorpe Hall, which served as a women's-only hall of residence in the 1930s.
St Gabriel's Lodge and Woodthorpe Hall now house studio apartments, while the former chapel contains shared student amenities, creating a vibrant social heart for the community.
Design That Complements Heritage
The construction was carefully designed to complement the nearby Victoria Park Conservation Area. The older buildings have been 'lovingly restored', with careful attention paid to preserving original features such as the stone façade, ornate chimneys, and curved windows, alongside the use of reclaimed brickwork.
David Atherton, Divisional Managing Director at McLaren Property, commented on the achievement: "The quality of the finished product speaks for itself, and the McLaren Construction team have done an excellent job getting this challenging construction project across the line. The buildings have been sensitively restored and whilst all bedrooms reflect the highest standards expected from modern student accommodation; the original character of the historic buildings continues to shine though."
Modern Living in a Historic Setting
The new blocks, situated on either side of the site, contain shared student apartments with between five and eight bedrooms each. While the interiors have been fully modernised to meet contemporary student needs, key historical elements have been preserved throughout the property.
The new buildings themselves pay homage to the site's heritage through their design, featuring buff and red brick finishes, aluminium-framed glazing, and perforated aluminium screens. Located just a twenty-five minute walk from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University campuses, this project represents a successful fusion of preserving Manchester's architectural history while providing essential, high-quality housing for its student population.
