Ten-storey tower block could be built for 400 students

Nearly 400 student flats could be constructed in a ten-storey tower block in Salford as X1 Campus has submitted a proposal to Salford council to demolish the existing Cumberland House building on Lissadel Street. The new site would house 396 studios and include 'communal amenity' facilities for future residents if approved.

A planning application must be submitted and approved by the council before work can commence on any new building.

The three-storey Cumberland House building was initially built as a mill and factory, later becoming a repairs garage and taxi office.

It is currently used for car storage, but the building is not listed, according to planning documents. The proposed development is near the Salford Crescent masterplan area, a £2.5 billion scheme designed by the council and Salford University to revitalise the area.

This will result in 3,000 new homes, offices, and a new pedestrian and cycling bridge known as Salford Rise, which is already under construction. The Salford Crescent masterplan also includes creating one-million square feet of offices, retail and leisure facilities, and a new innovation zone around the university to foster collaboration between academics, researchers, and businesses.

The university, which currently has nearly 30,000 students, anticipates growth in the coming years. Recently, it unveiled plans to refurbish its campus with a new student village centred around Peel Park, reports the Manchester Evening News.