Chapter 18: Proctor Group
Echo Street - Manchester

Echo Street is a major student accommodation development forming part of Manchester’s city-centre regeneration

Designed to meet demanding sustainability targets — including BREEAM Excellent — the project incorporates air-source heat pumps, solar PV and green roof systems. Achieving consistent airtightness across façades reaching 81 m in height was a critical performance requirement.

To meet this challenge, Wraptite® external air barrier membrane from the Proctor Group was installed across the façade. The product was proposed by specialist contractor Eire Facades, based on previous high-rise experience and confidence in its airtightness, durability and on-site efficiency.

Echo Street is a major student accommodation development forming part of Manchester’s city-centre regeneration, located close to Piccadilly Station and within the Whitworth Street Conservation Area. The scheme comprises three towers of 16, 21 and 27 storeys, delivering 1,224 student rooms across 38,350 m², alongside extensive communal and amenity spaces.

Wraptite is a self-adhered, vapour-permeable membrane, eliminating the need for primers or additional adhesives — an important advantage on tall buildings where installation time, sequencing and access constraints can significantly affect programme and quality control. Its fully bonded nature helps minimise air leakage paths, supporting robust airtightness outcomes at scale.

Given the height and use of the buildings, fire performance was a key consideration. Wraptite has been tested on 12 mm calcium silicate board and exceeds the minimum requirements of England’s Building Regulations Part B and Regulation 7, making it suitable for high-rise façade applications.

Throughout the project, the Proctor Group provided site-specific training and technical support, ensuring correct installation across large façade areas and multiple elevations. This collaborative approach supported the main contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland, in delivering consistent performance and compliance.

Echo Street demonstrates how careful product selection, combined with specialist contractor experience and technical support, can help deliver airtightness, regulatory compliance and construction efficiency on complex tall-building projects.