MIX MANCHESTER launches ambitious Social Value Strategy

MIX MANCHESTER, the science, advanced manufacturing and innovation campus being delivered adjacent to Manchester Airport, has launched an ambitious Social Value Strategy, setting out its commitment to create lasting benefits for local people and communities.

The scheme aims to demonstrate how significant private investment can support inclusive growth, create local opportunities and contribute to a positive, measurable social legacy for Wythenshawe and the wider Greater Manchester region.

Rooted in a detailed analysis of local needs, the strategy recognises both the strengths of Wythenshawe, including its vibrant business community, voluntary and community sector, and strong sense of local identity. It also considers the socioeconomic challenges facing the area’s 80,000 residents, particularly in employment, income, education and health.

Commenting on the launch of the strategy Emily Fleet, head of delivery MIX MANCHESTER, said:

“Our social value strategy sets out a framework for turning investment in Manchester’s science, innovation and advanced manufacturing campus into measurable social, economic and environmental benefits for our local communities. 

“That means supporting young people’s aspirations, creating accessible and inclusive jobs, improving community wellbeing, nurturing skills and providing training. This will be woven through every element of the delivery of MIX MANCHESTER, working closely with our stakeholders, delivery partners and community groups to turn investment into local opportunities and we’re looking forward to launching our first high-profile community partnership next week.”

The first phase of MIX MANCHESTER has an estimated construction value of approximately £52 million, with an assumed construction workforce equivalent to 137 full-time employees over the 3.85 years construction period. The strategy, which has been designed by specialist social value consultancy CHY, sets out a series of targets intended to ensure that this investment creates opportunities beyond the development itself.

Key commitments for the construction of Phase 1 include:

• Local employment: A target of 41 full-time-equivalent local employees and 16 new local employment opportunities.
• Fair pay: A commitment for 100% of full-time-equivalent employees to be paid the Real Living Wage.
• Local supply chains: A target of 25% of spend with local suppliers, estimated at approximately £14 million.
• Support for SMEs: A target of 33% of spend with small and medium-sized enterprises, estimated at approximately £18 million.
• Skills and education: Support for 13 apprenticeships, including four new project-initiated apprenticeships, alongside 39 work experience placements and 12 educational workshops to support and inspire our future workforce.
• Community investment: A proposed Community Investment Fund of approximately £25,000 per year over three years.
• Health and wellbeing: A target to train Mental Health First Aiders and for 100% of construction employees to complete mental health awareness and modern slavery training.

Rob Wolfe, managing director of CHY added:

“The strategy and social value targets are informed by leading practice and designed to embed social value throughout the design, construction and operational phases of the development, ensuring decisions are informed by the needs of the local residential and business communities and their potential economic, social and environmental impacts.”

The collaborative approach taken by MIX MANCHESTER aligns with the Manchester Southern Inclusive Growth Partnership Strategic Group and the South Manchester Social Value Delivery Group, supporting shared priorities around health and wellbeing, community resilience, good employment, inclusive growth and green and zero-carbon development.

The full social value strategy is available to read here