Viridis Living, the alliance between GRAHAM and Equitix, has been shortlisted in the Institute for Collaborative Working (ICW) Awards 2026 in the category of Unincorporated JV / Alliance-based Collaborations.
This recognition celebrates a collaborative journey spanning 15 years, built on trust, shared leadership, continuous improvement and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients and end users.
The Viridis alliance has evolved through landmark higher education accommodation programmes, beginning with the University of Salford, then the University of York, and now delivering the transformational redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus.
At Manchester, the partnership is helping to deliver one of the most ambitious student accommodation programmes undertaken in the UK:
- A £500m+ investment programme delivering 3,337 student bedrooms.
- The largest social infrastructure PPP of its kind in the UK higher education sector.
- The world’s largest single-phase Passivhaus student residential development.
What makes Viridis unique is not simply the scale of the programme, but the way it is delivered.
By creating a shared alliance identity, maintaining continuity of leadership and embedding collaborative behaviours across every workstream, Viridis has developed a true “one team” culture. Open-book reporting, joint governance, integrated risk management and early supply chain involvement have enabled informed decision-making and created an environment where challenges are addressed collectively rather than contractually.
The benefits are already clear. Early supply chain engagement secured 90% of measured works before contract execution, Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approvals were achieved across all high-rise buildings and an Advanced Works Contract enabled critical early works to progress while maintaining programme certainty. Financial Close was successfully achieved in July 2026, protecting delivery milestones and ensuring students can benefit from new accommodation from 2027 onwards.
Most importantly, this collaboration is focused on creating an outstanding student experience. The redevelopment will provide high-quality, modern, sustainable accommodation alongside vibrant neighbourhood hubs and community spaces, supporting student wellbeing, inclusivity and a strong sense of belonging throughout university life.
Being shortlisted by the ICW is testament to the dedication, expertise and collaborative mindset of everyone involved across Viridis, our supply chain partners and the University team.
We’re grateful to all who have contributed to this journey and look forward to continuing to demonstrate how long-term collaboration can deliver better outcomes for clients, communities and future generations of students.