The joint venture owners behind the 60-acre, £1bn Airport City Manchester scheme have pivoted the project away from offices, towards science, innovation and advanced manufacturing space.
The revised masterplan for the campus, which has rebranded as MIX Manchester, proposes to deliver 2m sq ft of advanced manufacturing and science space. It is expected to become one of the largest campuses of its kind in the UK.
A range of buildings will be available, including advanced manufacturing, research and development, laboratory and office spaces, alongside amenities such as hotels, leisure facilities and public realm.
The masterplan has been developed by Sheppard Robson over a two-year period and will be delivered under a revised strategic regeneration framework for the area that will undergo public consultation this summer, prior to formal endorsement by Manchester City Council.
The partnership behind the scheme includes a portfolio of clients represented by Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group, Beijing Construction Engineering Group International and Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
Some £30m of joint venture capital has already been invested in highways and utilities infrastructure. A pedestrian bridge linking to the main airport site, the Enterprise Way link road and the installation of high voltage electricity and utilities connections have already been completed, as well as three new hotels.
Gareth Jackson, group property director for Manchester Airports Group, said: “In recent years, we have seen occupier demand move away from traditional out-of-town offices. This trend, coupled with rapid growth in the advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital and technology economies and the requirement for highly sustainable work environments has led us to adapt our plans for the next phase of commercial development.
“MIX Manchester will be a dynamic, well-connected, and flexible campus where occupiers can collaborate and be part of a community of forward-thinking pioneers on a global stage.
“Occupiers will have the ability to locate to a high-quality working environment with exemplary sustainability credentials, a place where they can grow on a scale that is unrivalled in the North West. MIX Manchester will be uniquely positioned to serve as Manchester’s innovation gateway.”
Samantha Hadland of Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate said: “Being situated next to an international airport which links 28m passengers a year, MIX Manchester opens a global opportunity for science and innovation businesses wanting to locate in the North West, in particular the burgeoning advanced manufacturing sector.
“With world-class universities and research institutions on the doorstep with immediate access to secure, global logistics connections through Manchester Airport’s World Freight Terminal, occupiers will have access to an incredible talent pool and unrivalled global connectivity.”
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The vision for MIX Manchester presents another significant investment in our city that enhances our reputation as a centre of excellence in science and innovation – and a further platform for economic growth in our emerging industries. The campus will create thousands of jobs and supports the ongoing regeneration of our communities in Wythenshawe, as well as cementing Manchester’s place as a leader in innovation on a global scale.”
JLL and Track Real Estates have been appointed as agents. CBRE will act as planning consultant.
Images © MIX Manchester
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