Green light for £110m Manchester campus

Manchester Metropolitan University's plans for a new, £110 million campus for 6,000 healthcare and teaching students have received the backing of the city's council.

The proposed development of Birley Fields near Princess Parkway in Hulme is expected to create around 300 jobs and generate an extra £29 million a year for local businesses.

The plans include teaching facilities and residential units alongside a sports hall, drama studio and other facilities that will be available for community use.

In a recent poll by Drivers Jonas Deloitte, 80 per cent of local residents and businesses thought the campus would have a positive impact on the area.

Commenting after the council's decision, MMU vice-chancellor, Professor John Brooks, said: "This is the right plan for our students, who will get a fantastic new experience and the right plan for Hulme for the positive impacts it will have on educational aspiration, community partnerships and business growth."

Manchester City Council leader, Sir Richard Leese, added: "This is a significant moment in the regeneration of Hulme and neighbouring areas including Moss Side. It is particularly welcome investment in the current difficult economic climate and will create jobs and significant spin-off benefits for local businesses.

"It will also open up new higher education opportunities for local people and further enhance Manchester's world-class university sector, helping attract and retain people within the city."