Insights > Deals
Jadebricks appoints Watkin Jones for 107‑studio Manchester student scheme
20 October 2026 | Construction contract | UK | 107 studios | Development
The contractor appointment advances a consented Charles Street project towards delivery ahead of the 2028/29 academic year.
Key details
Asset type | Development |
Location | Manchester, UK |
Capacity | 107 studios |
Party 1 | Jadebricks |
Party 2 | Watkin Jones |
Value | Undisclosed |
Source: Place North West
Jadebricks has appointed Watkin Jones to deliver a 15‑storey student residence on the site of a former car park on Charles Street. Designed by SimpsonHaugh, the scheme comprises 107 studios and is scheduled for completion ahead of the 2028/29 academic year.
Enabling works are expected to begin before the end of October.
Strategic context
Watkin Jones included the Freestone Road PBSA partnership with Moorfield and Tiger Developments among its 2025 development agreements, demonstrating its established role in delivering student schemes for investment partners. The Jadebricks appointment adds another third‑party project to its construction portfolio rather than representing an acquisition for Watkin Jones's own rental portfolio.
For Jadebricks, appointing an experienced PBSA contractor is a step towards turning a consented city‑centre site into a completed asset. The compact studio‑led format makes efficient construction and practical studio layout and specification important to the investment case, while the 2028/29 academic year provides a clear commercial deadline.
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