The latest in our series looking behind the scenes at some of the North’s most interesting buildings takes us to Deansgate, where Fusion Students has combined 509 student beds with roof terraces, private dining, karaoke and some of Manchester’s best views.
It has three roof terraces overlooking Manchester, a private dining room, gym, yoga studio and even a secret karaoke booth.
But this is not the city’s latest five-star hotel. It is Fusion Students’ new purpose-built student accommodation tower on Deansgate. The 509-bed development is opening for the 2026/27 academic year in the heart of one of Manchester city centre’s most desirable locations.
Its communal spaces have been designed to allow residents to study, exercise, socialise and relax without leaving the building. Students can have dinner in the private dining room, play pool, sing karaoke and end the evening on a roof terrace overlooking the city.
“Student accommodation has had a real upgrade!” is the reaction general manager Jack Rouane says he hears most frequently during tours.
“What people notice on a tour is how much thought has gone into the everyday spaces, not just the headline ones,” he said. “It’s calming, well cared for, and easy to settle into, which is exactly what we set out for. People are blown away by everything it has to offer. A gym to work out in, a Yoga studio, a big lounge to chill out and socialise in, free laundry facilities, endless tea and coffee, places to study, beautiful rooms, incredible views, you get the point. It really does have it all.
“And you can tell students just want to move in straight away when they come for a building tour.”
The development offers shared apartments containing classic and premium en-suite rooms, starting from £265 per week, alongside studios costing from £345 per week. Bills, amenities and regular housekeeping are included.
Its premium en-suite rooms have already sold out for the academic year.
“We’ve around 50 students who’ve moved in already, most people will start to move in just before term officially starts mid-September, but rooms have been selling really fast, especially given people have only been able to come and have a look around over the last couple of weeks,” Rouane said.
Alongside the more eye-catching spaces, the building provides superfast Wi-Fi, free laundry, counselling and wellbeing support, bike hire, tea, coffee and breakfast cereal.
A community team is available around the clock, while Fusion runs four resident events each week. Based around wellbeing, community, discovery and growth, these range from cookery classes and yoga to film nights and cultural celebrations.
“Prices may seem high to some,” said Rouane. “But when you factor in everything you spend on as a student such as gym membership, getting a coffee in the morning and getting the bus in and out of the city, you’re saving yourself money!”
Across the building, spaces have been given distinct roles. Some are intended for concentration and study, others for wellbeing, socialising and building a community.
Fusion Students managing director Laura Kurt said the ambition was to create a student home capable of developing alongside Manchester. “We truly believe this is the best student accommodation the city has to offer,” she said. “Manchester has revered institutions attracting talent from around the world, the city is full of opportunity and promise. Opening our first student home in the city meant creating a building that didn’t just work for the emerging city we know and love today, but one that will work long into the city’s future, supporting talent on their important journey through university and beyond. We’re incredibly proud of it and we know the students moving into it will be too.”
