A Mancunian Odyssey: The ARL Manchester BTR Study Tour 2024

By Chloe Sachikonye, Yardi

As a self-proclaimed “part-time Mancunian,” my recent venture into Manchester for the fifth ARL Build to Rent Study Tour felt like a homecoming. Sponsored by Yardi, this year’s tour offered a deeper dive into the city’s vibrant BTR landscape. Navigating the city’s bustling streets and developments, it was clear that Manchester’s rental market is evolving at a breakneck pace, making it an exhilarating place to explore.

Our first stop was Kampus, an eclectic blend of history and modernity owned by Ares, HBD, and Capital & Centric, and managed by Native Residential. We were greeted by North West ARL Hub Chairs Dougie Orton-Wade and Peter Grimshaw from Regal Blinds, while Bex Hetherington and her team led the tour. This Nordic-inspired development, completed in April 2021, boasts 534 units across five buildings, including a listed Victorian structure. The unique features of Kampus, like the concrete ceilings and Manchester’s first alcohol-free bar, set it apart as a trendsetter in the city’s BTR scene.

Next, we ventured to Poplin, a gem owned by Cheyne Capital and managed by Native Residential. Building manager Yasmine A. provided insights into this 144-unit development, which achieved full occupancy in just nine months. Poplin’s name pays homage to its history as a cotton mill during WWII, blending Manchester’s industrial heritage with contemporary design. The building’s warm earthy tones and peachy palette, along with its stunning atrium space, made it an unforgettable stop on our tour.

Our third destination was The New Vic, managed by Savills for Pension Insurance Corporation. Sam Winnard and Hanna Bowen Avery, along with their team, guided us through this impressive development featuring two towers with a total of 520 units. The attention to detail here was remarkable, from the aroma of freshly made roast to the strategically placed Pimm’s station. The sage green interiors evoked the luxury of a Hamptons retreat, creating a strong sense of identity and community.

We concluded the day at Anco & Co, owned by DTZ and managed by Urbanbubble. Stuart Henshall gave us a glimpse into this six-year-old scheme in the popular Ancoats area, known as the cradle of the industrial revolution. The loft-style interiors and incredible rooftop served as a perfect staging point for welcome drinks, offering a cool ambiance that perfectly wrapped up our first day.

Throughout the day, industry experts like Ed Howe from Bidwells and Zora Vuvokik from HomeViews shared valuable insights into Manchester’s booming BTR market. With 13,000 operational units across 44 sites, the city boasts the largest BTR presence outside London. Manchester ranks second only to London in the BTR sector, reflecting a vibrant and dynamic market.

As the sun set on Day One, we gathered at the Malmaison Hotel for an evening of dinner, discussion, and networking. Sponsored by Chapman Taylor, the evening focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the property sector. The event was graced by a stellar panel featuring influential voices and experts:

• Michael Swiszczowski from Chapman Taylor: Opened the discussion with insightful words on diversity in the BTR sector.
• Louise Bangee from Urbanbubble: Spoke passionately about creating roles for women and building inclusive communities.
• Rachel Cunliffe from Women in Property: Highlighted the importance of identifying role models in the industry.
• Dr. Catalina Ionita from Chapman Taylor: Provided a unique perspective on responding to diversity and inclusion through design.

The panel emphasised that EDI is not just about ticking boxes but about implementing actionable strategies for meaningful change. They discussed the importance of grassroots growth, inter-organizational collaboration, and innovative approaches to incorporating diversity and inclusion principles into design

Day Two kicked off at Albion Place, a quaint, red-brick development by Sigma Capital Group Limited, managed by Simple Life Homes. Luke Lightfoot and Vicky Fryer showcased their fabulously styled development, a tangible depiction of single-family homes. This idyllic spot, once a chemical plant, now offers a charming village atmosphere.

Next, we visited Eda by Cole Waterhouse in Salford Quays, managed by Allsop Letting and Management. Selina Ong and Steve Harrold proudly showcased this 29-storey beauty with its playful warm tones and quirky art. Designed by Chapman Taylor, Eda’s terrazzo flooring and warm modernist style earned it several awards, making it a standout in the BTR landscape.

Our penultimate stop was the towering Residences by Legal & General, managed by Urbanbubble. Harriet Downey and Stuart Henshall guided us through this iconic development. The former ironworks now boasts four towers, with two dedicated to BTR and two for BTS. The site’s luxurious finishes and neutral palettes would have you thinking you are at the Four Seasons in Dubai, you can tell why the site attract footballers and executive professionals, setting a new standard for high-class city living.

Our final stop was Colliers Yard, owned and managed by Cortland. Lauren Smith, Rafał Szlendak, and Rory O’Shea led us through this 559-unit development, which felt like a 5-star boutique hotel with its copper tones and modernist 50s aesthetic. Fun fact: part of the site once had a vegetarian vicar, and you could get buried nearby if you swore off meat!

Throughout the day, it was evident that Manchester’s BTR scene is booming, with each site offering unique features and a clear brand identity. The sector is evolving to meet changing tenant needs, and it’s clear that Manchester is a blueprint for BTR innovation across the country.

A massive thank you to the ARL team – Emma Henderson, Brendan Geraghty, and Graham Sibley – for organising such an insightful tour. And of course, special thanks to our sponsors, Yardi and Chapman Taylor. The tour was a fantastic event, showcasing the rapid growth and innovation in the sector. Manchester is definitely the city to watch, setting a brilliant precedent for the rest of the country.

Please do check the Events page for future ARL Study Tours.