ID Manchester

The University of Manchester has this week announced that they’re moving to the next stage on their £1.5bn ID Manchester project, which aims to create a world-leading innovation district in the heart of the city.

Having received submissions the University has now cut the shortlist down to just four preferred bidders – although there was confirmation that the procurement process will now be paused due to the Covid-19 outbreak with hope of kickstarting this again in the near future.

Although not officially announced the shortlist is believed to consist of the following: [emaillocker id=”71749″]

  • Bruntwood SciTech and Stanhope
  • HBD (formerly Henry Boot Developments)
  • Peel and Urbansplash
  • Mapletree

Prof Dame Nancy Rothwell, Presidential and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manchester at speaker at the Northern Powerhouse Economic Growth Conference in November, said: “Clearly, it makes sense to pause the procurement process as we all adapt to the unprecedented circumstances caused by the coronavirus outbreak, but we remain committed to this project and I still truly believe we can make ID Manchester the innovation capital of Europe, providing the perfect conditions for organisations of all sizes and from different sectors, to share knowledge and work together turning incredible ideas into reality.”

Diana Hampson, Director of Estates and Facilities at The University of Manchester, added: “This is more than a property transaction. ID Manchester will create a new, world-class innovation district situated in the heart of Manchester and alongside the University. Although we are pausing the procurement process in response to current circumstances, we look forward to resuming detailed dialogue with the selected bidders (perhaps using some alternatives to face-to-face meetings) in order to advance this exciting project.”

The vision for ID Manchester is to create a thriving new neighbourhood that will drive economic growth across the region – creating over 6,000 jobs in the process.

The available development space for ID Manchester to 4 million square feet (370,000 square metres) and updated indicative development plans include:

  • 2.6 million square feet (240,000 square metres) of new work space
  • Three acres (1.2 hectares) of high-quality public realm

The site benefits from existing green space and the unique feature of the 650,000 square feet (60,000 square metres) Grade II-listed Sackville Street Building, which offers a fantastic opportunity for repurposing.

The University occupies the recently opened £60 million Masdar Building, home to the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, and the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology at the south end of the site and is looking for a partner to develop the remaining c.18 acres (7.3 hectares) of the site.

ID Manchester is adjacent to Manchester’s main public transport hub, Piccadilly Railway Station and is a 20-minute train journey to the international airport.

ID Manchester is one of the last major development opportunity sites in the city, another piece in the jigsaw of the major regeneration taking place in that area of the city, including Mayfield, London Road Fire Station, Kampus, Circle Square and the £1 billion investment already being made into its main Oxford Road campus by The University of Manchester.

Come and hear from the University of Manchester at our Northern Powerhouse Economic Growth Conference this November. Click here to register >

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