These photos from the last decade capture the dramatic transformation around the Kampus neighbourhood

  1. Home
  2. Feature
Before and after of the Kampus transformation

Before and after of the Kampus transformation

Kampus these days is one of Manchester’s most vibrant and modern neighbourhoods, and it feels so much like part of the city’s fabric that it’s easy to forget what it looked like just a few years ago. 

But those who have lived here throughout the area’s regeneration will remember this garden neighbourhood looking very different indeed. 

Until it was taken over and given a transformation by developers Capital & Centric and HBD, Kampus was part of the old Manchester Metropolitan University campus (hence its name). 

And it was looking a little worse for wear a decade ago. 

Take, for example, the tallest apartment building at Kampus. This used to be a concrete, brutalist 60s tower block, once an MMU business school.

While 60s architecture isn’t exactly looked back on with the most fondness, Kampus has reserved just enough of its character to pay homage to its history – apartments in this building have exposed concrete and waffle ceilings. 

Then there are the old warehouse buildings, now restored and boasting big beautiful windows.

Or there are the Dutch Houses built up on top of the other buildings, with luxurious double-height homes inside. 

The Bungalow – now home to a series of pop-up events and businesses (like the current alcohol free bar, With Love) – used to be an old security cabin. 

And the lush garden at the heart of Kampus was, at one point not too long ago, a car park. 

The following series of images will really remind you just how quickly this neglected corner of Manchester was given a total transformation into the Kampus of today.

In pictures: the transformation of Kampus in Manchester

The view from Minshull Street

The view of Kampus from Minshull Street a decade ago. Credit: Capital&Centric / @capitalcentric
The view of Kampus from Minshull Street now. Credit: The Manc

The old tower block

The old tower block on Aytoun Street. Credit: Geograph, Richard Vince
The old tower block on Aytoun Street at Kampus. Credit: The Manc Group

Little David Street

Little David Street before Kampus moved in. Credit: Google Maps
Little David Street is now transformed and a highlight of the Kampus neighbourhood. Credit: The Manc

The corner of Aytoun and Chorlton Street

The corner of Aytoun and Chorlton Street in 2016. Credit: Google Maps
The corner of Aytoun and Chorlton Street now. Credit: Google Maps

Little David Street again

Little David Street. Credit: Capital&Centric / @capitalcentric
Little David Street at Kampus today. Credit: The Manc Group

The main Kampus entrance

The main Kampus entrance in the 2010s
Vs how Kampus looks now. Credit: The Manc Group

Kampus from the canal

The Kampus site from the canal in 2011
The Kampus site from the canal in 2023

Chorlton Street

Chorlton Street as it was
Chorlton Square at Kampus now. Credit: The Manc Group

Chorlton Street

Chorlton Street before Capital & Centric acquired the site
Another view of Chorlton Square now. Credit: The Manc Group

To find out more about Kampus, head here.

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group