Consultation launched for £1bn MIX Manchester

Proposals for MIX Manchester, the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation and manufacturing campus, have been taken to public consultation. The move follows an approval in principle of the draft strategic regeneration framework by Manchester City Council’s executive committee late last month. The project, which has a gross development value of £1bn, was rebranded in May this year in a move away from offices towards science.  The joint venture partnership behind MIX Manchester includes clients represented by Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate Partners, Manchester Airports Group, Beijing Construction Engineering Group International and Greater Manchester Pension Fund. The scheme features the creation of 60-acre science, innovation and manufacturing campus at Manchester Airport, located off the new Enterprise Way link road. More than £30m of joint venture capital has already been invested into the site to create a new pedestrian bridge linking to the main airport site and the Enterprise Way link road. High voltage electricity and utilities connections have been installed, and three hotels built near the site.  An eight-week public consultation is expected to collect the views of local residents and key stakeholders on the masterplan, designed by Sheppard Robson. The existing drafts will then be updated in line with comments received. MIX Manchester is expected to be delivered in phases and, once completed, the development will be one of the largest science and innovation campuses in the UK, with 2m sq ft of advanced manufacturing and science space. Gareth Jackson, group property director at Manchester Airports Group, said: “We look forward to beginning the public consultation, to share our vision for MIX Manchester and engage with the wider community to ensure our plans are well-designed to meet local needs.” Gavin White, executive member for housing and development at Manchester City Council, said: “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 for MIX Manchester. CBRE acted as planning consultant. See more Manchester planning decisions >> Image © MIX Manchester