Manchester Airport City reimagined as innovation hub and campus

Plans to develop 24 hectares of land close to Manchester Airport have been reimagined as an innovation campus for the manufacturing, technology and science sectors.

Plans propose a new vision for the Airport City development, which launched in 2012 to deliver commercial office space, hotels and new public realm. Construction on hotels has moved forward, as well as construction of a £6 million pedestrian bridge and £15 million link road to enable access to the site and connect the airport with neighbouring communities; however, development of office space hasn’t materialised

Dubbed, MIX MANCHESTER, the new masterplan developed by Sheppard Robson will see development partners Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) deliver 186, 000 square metres of advanced manufacturing, R&D, laboratory, and office space at Manchester Airport.

The plans aim to complement other similar business hubs focused on Greater Manchester and the wider North-West’s high-growth specialisms in science and technology and advanced manufacturing, such as at ID Manchester in the city-centre, Atom Valley in the North of the city-region, and Cheshire’s Alderley Park bioscience campus.

A public consultation to the changed Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Airport City will take place this summer to gauge public opinion on the change in direction for the area prior to endorsement by Manchester City Council.

Setting out the JV partnership’s vision for MIX MANCHESTER, 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.”

Samantha Hadland at 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. 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.”

Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, added, “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 and CBRE will be acting as planning consultants.