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UK: Downing Living has ultimate its Square Gardens coliving scheme in Manchester, with the completion of the final phase, the Fernley.
Both the Acer Tower, launched in September 2024, and the Fernley are now fully let.
The development offers a central location in the First Street district, as well as access to landscaped gardens, a gym, coworking areas, lounges and private dining rooms, with all utility bills included.
In agreement with Manchester City Council, 20 per cent of the apartments are designated affordable.
The Fernley also features 18 luxury penthouses, called The Residencies. Set across the upper floors the two-bedroom apartments feature open-plan layouts, separate bathrooms and views across Manchester’s skyline.
Sally O’Brien, joint chief executive at Downing, said: “Square Gardens is more than a housing development, it’s a blueprint for how city living is evolving. The response has been overwhelming and shows just how much people want flexibility, connection and a ready-made community at the heart of Manchester. With national demand for coliving now far exceeding supply, Square Gardens is a powerful example of how this new way of living can thrive in UK cities.
“The Residencies complete the final piece of the jigsaw for Square Gardens, ensuring there is a home for every lifestyle, from affordable city-centre living through to premium apartments. What we’ve created is not just housing, but a genuine community designed around the needs of today’s renters.
“Now that we have debuted our co-living offering, we’re looking forward to what the future holds for this fresh way of living, across our portfolio and the wider market,” she added.
Highlights:
- Downing Living has completed the Fernley phase, finishing the Square Gardens coliving scheme in Manchester
- Both the Acer Tower and Fernley have been fully let.
- Residents have access to landscaped gardens, a gym, coworking spaces, lounges, private dining rooms
