KAMPUS is a new neighbourhood located at the former Manchester Metropolitan University campus in the heart of the city utilising the qualities of the existing built structures – Victorian brick canal-side warehouses and the 1964 concrete tower. A melting pot of buildings and spaces, KAMPUS celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the city with respect to the historic quality of Canal Street
The development hosts a range of independent retail and F&B spaces set around a lush secret garden and central courtyard. Residents also benefit from a private landscaped podium, secure parking and cycle spaces and a rooftop residents’ gym and lounge which will boast unparalleled views across Manchester.
Principal Contractor Mount Anvil selected specialist brickwork contractor, Marlborough Brickwork to deliver this landmark project. Employing over 50 locally trained craftsmen the programme was delivered in an aggressive 70 week period. An Ibstock Northern Buff brick was specified to blend with existing buildings in the local environment of Whitworth Street and Canal Street.
The architecture expresses the individual building blocks with variations in height to make each facade legible. The alternating positions of accentuated apertures in the facade work to reduce the scale of the brick mass while the light pixel elements add relief and balance to the facades.
The buildings are horizontally divided into three distinct elements: a podium with dark profiled metal cladding, a mid-section with rough-textured red brickwork, and a roofscape characterised by Dutch houses also clad in profiled metal.
The podium anchors the new build and tower elements in a consistent base while creating a defined edge to the street. A transparent plinth will provide views into a variety of independent bars, cafes, shops, and restaurants that will breathe life into the scheme and create a unique sense of place.
The newly landscaped entrances provide access to KAMPUS and the interesting spaces between the buildings draws people into the heart of the scheme; a unique ‘secret garden’ that forms the perfect backdrop for the afternoon and early evening social events.
