MIPIM 2019: The University of Manchester today unveiled plans for its £1.5bn development, Innovation District Manchester.
The university will look for a joint venture partner to bring forward the ID Manchester redevelopment, which will see its 26-acre North Campus site developed into a science and technology hub.
Its plan is to deliver 3.5m sq ft of mixed-use space, including three acres of public realm. The scheme also includes the opportunity to repurpose the 650,000 sq ft Grade II listed Sackville Street Building.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester, said: “I have seen how transformative other innovation districts in cities across the globe can be.
“I truly believe we can make ID Manchester the innovation capital of Europe, providing the perfect conditions for organisations of all sizes and from different sectors to share knowledge and work together, turning incredible ideas into reality.”
Rothwell said she had visited Boston and met the leaders of Harvard University and MIT and visited their own innovation districts, such as MIT’s Kendall Square. She added: “Kendall Square was not planned, and we have the opportunity to plan.
“A key thing I learnt was about the masterplanning of the site. In other words, let’s not do this one building at a time; let’s do this as a whole site that will deliver something special.”
The university has contributed £746m to the economy through the businesses spun out of its research and development facilities, and seeks to build on this with ID Manchester.
Rothwell added: “This is not an academic development, it is very much an innovation district. There will be some residential on it – but we expect not largely student residential, as with other sites. This is a place where we want to attract the most innovative businesses, small and large.”
Diana Hampson, director of estates at the University of Manchester, added: “We will be looking for a world-leading partner who has the experience and track record to help us deliver this outstanding development.”
Joanne Roney, chief executive of Manchester City Council, said: “The university and the city have long been closely aligned. We have grown up together and share a spirit of innovation, revolution and entrepreneurship. ID Manchester will build upon this proud shared history.”
The University of Manchester has instructed CBRE to find a jv partner. It is expected an OJEU notice will be released in the summer, after an initial soft market test earlier this year, with a view to having an appointment made by mid-2020.
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