The vast Fallowfield student village at Owens Park is one of the University’s largest planned projects in its 10-year building programme.

The first phase of the scheme was due to have started already, but procurement chiefs were forced back to the drawing board after the University’s three framework contractors submitted tenders substantially in excess of the budget.

At the time the project to build 3,000 student room was estimated at around £140m-£170m. Since then the scope and phasing has been changed.

In the latest prequalification notice for contractors, the project has been given an estimated cost band of £65m to £245m, depending on whether one phase or all three phased are awarded.

The present tender race is for the first phase of the student halls with the University hoping to attract five bidders.

Further bid information is available from the University’s dedicated tendering website.

Phase one will include 1,122 rooms in eight new blocks, an amenity hub and energy centre. Phase two will include demolition of existing Oak House buildings and The Limes Maintenance Unit to make way for a further 1,191 study bedrooms in a mix of new town houses and flats.

Phase 3 will see the demolition of existing Owens Park buildings including the tower to allow for an 896 rooms, shops and parking.