Q Developments has announced the sale of a premier purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development opportunity at Cross Lane in Greater Manchester – a 20-minute walk from Manchester city centre. The developer secured planning consent for the 538-bedroom scheme in 2024, with the site formally housing the office headquarters for McDonalds.
Designed by architect Broadway Malyan, the consented scheme has completed the design progress through to Stage 4 and offers investors a rare freehold acquisition opportunity in one of the UK’s most robust student accommodation markets.
The striking 27-storey development features an optimised mix of accommodation types, comprising 65% ensuite clusters, 34% studios and 1% twodios, specifically designed to meet demand in both the domestic-led Salford sub-market and the broader Manchester market.
The scheme itself boasts market-leading amenity provision with 718 sqm of communal space including study areas, a fully-equipped gym, multifunctional yoga studio and cycle storage. A standout feature is the 19th-floor sky garden offering unrivalled panoramic views across the Manchester skyline.
Sustainability sits at the core of the development’s design, with the building targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. These green credentials not only future-proof the asset but also drive operational savings through enhanced energy efficiency measures.
Strategically positioned adjacent to Salford Crescent Station, the site sits directly opposite Salford University campus and provides exceptional connectivity to Manchester’s university district, with both The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University campuses accessible within two stops.
Salford has emerged as a highly sought-after location for students seeking affordable accommodation within easy reach of Manchester’s university campuses. The area has benefited significantly from the favourable supply-demand dynamics of the wider Manchester market, attracting students unable to secure affordable accommodation within the city centre.
JLL has been instructed on the sales process and anticipate strong investor interest in this rare opportunity to acquire a fully-designed, consented PBSA scheme in one of the UK’s most undersupplied student markets.
