New science and innovation campus next to Manchester Airport

A revised masterplan has been developed for the creation of the “UK’s best-connected science, innovation and manufacturing campus” at Manchester Airport.

If it becomes reality, MIX MANCHESTER will be one of the largest science and innovation campuses in the UK, delivering two million square feet of high-quality advanced manufacturing and science space.

It will also be the only UK campus of its kind adjacent to an international airport and is expected to 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 £30 million 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 28 million 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.”

JLL and Track Real Estates have been appointed as agents and CBRE will be acting as planning consultants.