Plans have been announced for the next phase of the masterplan at Manchester Science Park.
The plans include the development of a new building that will expand and enhance the facilities on offer for highly-innovative companies working across computer engineering, energy technology, light manufacturing and materials science.
Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) is redeveloping the Base building to provide 80,000 sq ft of world-leading, purpose-built space to address the industry-specific needs of these sectors, following the successful development of the Bright Building which is fully let to 24 digital technology businesses.
The announcement comes as the updated Manchester Science Park Strategic Regeneration Framework masterplan was endorsement by the City Council earlier this month.
Designed by Russell Bridge architects and set over five floors in the heart of Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor innovation district, companies will be able to access a dedicated MakerSpace on the ground floor with workshop space to produce prototypes or modify existing products, along with a welcome lounge, break-out spaces and informal meeting spaces.
Co-working and serviced space will also be available for start-ups in materials science, engineering and energy technology, whilst larger, more flexible and private spaces are available on the upper floors which also include a roof terrace.
The area around Base is also to be redeveloped to provide green space and areas to relax, socialise or host informal meetings.
“We are incredibly excited to reveal our plans for Base, which underlines our confidence in the future growth of Manchester’s innovation-led economy, and is the next step in our expansion of the Manchester Science Park campus on its journey to grow to 1m square feet,” said Manchester Science Partnerships MD Thomas Renn.
“Our planned investment of £21m is a clear statement of our commitment to creating sustainable, future-focused workspaces that support, enable, and nurture innovative businesses.
“We have a fast-growing cluster of ambitious, highly-innovative businesses already based at the campus, and there are some brilliant products, services and devices that have already been created.
“We wait in anticipation of the next generation of companies and innovations that will be created in Manchester and exported to the world.”
Businesses moving to Base will be joining Manchester Science Partnerships’ community of over 300 fast-growth digital health, digital technology, biomedical and life sciences companies as well as Bruntwood SciTech’s network of over 600 companies.
These companies include SteamaCo who have revolutionised energy management in Africa, Phagenesis who pioneered the Phagenyx treatment for Dysphagia, Zilico who are developing the next generation of diagnostic devices for cervical cancer, rapid prototyping and 3D printing companies such as DiceyTech, and other light manufacturing companies like Lucid Innovation who offer their services on the campus to enable those who make and create.
Businesses will also be able to access MSP’s specialist business support programme which includes R&D support, finance, funding and professional services advice, and direct access to the world-class talent, research and capabilities of both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University which are both adjacent to the campus.
The new scheme is subject to planning approval by Manchester City Council and will represent another step forward for Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor, one of the North of England’s most important commercial areas, generating around £3bn in GVA per year. Manchester City Council is due to decide on the plans by mid-December. If approved, the project is expected to be delivered by the end of 2021.