Bruntwood and the University of Manchester have been granted planning permission for phase two of the £50m Manchester Business School redevelopment.
Phase two of the 40,500 sq ft retail and leisure scheme will include 15 units of between 1,000 sq ft and 8,000 sq ft, with a mixed offer for students, staff and visitors. Work is to begin in 2015 and complete in mid-2016.
The project also includes the removal of a link bridge across Oxford Road.
The 200,000 sq ft refurbishment of MBS’s facilities falls under this phase and will include improvements to the school’s teaching and administrative accommodation.
As part of phase one, a 326-room hotel and enhanced education centre are also being developed. Construction will start on site later this month.
Toby Sproll, Bruntwood head of retail and leisure, said: “Securing planning consent for phase two of the Manchester Business School redevelopment makes the scheme a very real proposition, which is reflected in the strength of demand we have already received.
“Our focus now is on selecting the right mix of retail and leisure for the students, staff, workers and local residents for whom Manchester Business School will be a new focal point in the Oxford Road corridor.”
The full refurbishment programme of the business school is due for completion in early 2018.
Tushingham Moore has been appointed leasing agent for the scheme.
