A revised masterplan has been developed which will see the creation of the UK’s best-connected science, innovation, and manufacturing campus at Manchester Airport.
MIX MANCHESTER will be one of the largest science and innovation campuses in the UK, delivering 2 million sq ft of high-quality advanced manufacturing and science space. It will be the only UK campus of its kind adjacent to an international airport and will create up to 8,000 jobs.
Driven by occupier demand, a range of buildings will be available, including advanced manufacturing, research and development, laboratory and office spaces, alongside complementary 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 (SRF) for the area that will undergo public consultation this summer, prior to formal endorsement by Manchester City Council. Formerly known as Airport City Manchester, the 60-acre site will be brought forward in a phased manner, subject to planning approval.
The JV partnership behind MIX MANCHESTER includes a portfolio of clients represented by Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
With £30m of joint venture capital having already been invested in highways and utilities infrastructure, MIX MANCHESTER is being brought to market as a ‘shovel-ready’ site. A new 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 brand new hotels.
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.
“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 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, 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.”
Cllr 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 and CBRE will be acting as planning consultants.