Plans progress for airport science, innovation, and manufacturing campus

Plans for airport-based science, innovation, and manufacturing campus, MIX MANCHESTER, have taken a step forward after amendments to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) covering the scheme were approved by Manchester City Council.

MIX MANCHESTER is to be the UK’s first development of its type based at an airport and is set to create up to 8,000 jobs in the city-region and is being brought forward by a JV partnership including Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).

Amendments to the SRF for the scheme follow an eight-week period of public consultation on the draft SRF, which sought views on the masterplan from local residents, community groups, councillors and stakeholders through online and in-person forums.

A number of minor amendments to the SRF have been approved Manchester City Council’s Executive Committee, including making reference to enhancements to the cycle and walking connections and updating footpath references within the SRF, the requirement for further traffic modelling and inclusion of reference to Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework (2023). In addition, further investigation and consideration of existing watercourses and proposed drainage systems will be undertaken.

Approval also ensures that the city’s Planning and Highways Committee take the SRF into account as a material consideration when considering forthcoming planning applications for the site.

Speaking on behalf of the joint venture partnership, Gareth Jackson, group property director at Manchester Airports Group, commented:

“It’s great to have had such a positive response during the consultation programme and thanks to everyone who has taken part. MIX MANCHESTER’s airport location and capacity makes this arguably one of the best locations in the UK to support innovation-led businesses, with a strong presence in manufacturing and life sciences. We’re pleased to have the committee’s support to drive MIX MANCHESTER forwards and expect to submit our first planning applications in 2025.”

Leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Bev Craig, said:

“MIX MANCHESTER represents the next chapter in the story of Manchester Airport and another important engine of economic growth for the city. Its enviable location provides a platform for new and existing business to thrive and further builds on Manchester’s reputation as a centre of excellence for science and manufacturing. The campus will create thousands of new job opportunities and will help cement our city as a global leader for innovation.”

As well as being endorsed by Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, MIX MANCHESTER also benefits from relocation support from Manchester’s inward investment agency, MIDAS.

Since MIX MANCHESTER was launched in May 2024, Dakota Hotels has confirmed it will be developing its second Manchester hotel at the site. In addition, Whitbread PLC has announced that it intends to build largest Premier Inn in the north within the Airport’s hotel district.

To date, £30 million of joint venture capital has been invested in highways and utilities infrastructure to service MIX MANCHESTER. 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 on the ‘shovel-ready’ site.

Shepard Robson and Planit designed the masterplan; CBRE is acting as planning consultants; and JLL and Track Real Estates have been appointed as agents.