Airport City to be reimagined as innovation hub

Plans to develop 60 acres of land close to Manchester Airport have been reimagined to a deliver a new innovation campus for the manufacturing, technology and science sectors.

Dubbed, MIX MANCHESTER, plans 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 2 million square feet of advanced manufacturing, R&D, laboratory, and office space at Manchester Airport.

Plans propose a new vision for the Airport City development, originally planned 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 on the site had stalled, notably with e-commerce giant THG not following through with a 1 million sq ft campus on the site.

New proposals for Airport City will allow for demand-led delivery of mid-scale and large-scale manufacturing buildings, R&D laboratories, and more flexible offers for scale-ups and manufacturing pilots alongside Grade A office space and hotels. 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.

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 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.”

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.”