University Academy ’92 (UA92) have officially submitted plans to transform the former Kellogg’s building in Old Trafford to a new designated educational space. The site, which spans 106,000 sq ft, would house UA92 – a new ambitious University project set to educate within media and sports and backed by Bruntwood, Trafford Council and Gary Neville.

If the plans go ahead the University would open in 2019 – ready for the 2019/2020 intake of students. We’re delighted to have Yvonne Harrison, Managing Director of Project ’92, joining our Education & Skills Session panel at the Greater Manchester Economic Growth Conference later this year.

The proposals highlight the derelict building would hold 25,000 sq ft of university space over three floor, but it will be managed in a phased process with the basement, ground and first floors being part of phase one. The additional second and third floors wouldn’t be open for the 2019/2020 academic year however the University has the option to take these which covers an additional 50,000 sq ft.

One of the partners for the University, Microsoft, are said to be taking part of the first and second floor space. The proposals also show a newly proposed landscaped entrance to face Brian Statham Way and the cricket ground opposite, while around 1,600 sq ft will be added to the building’s atrium at first floor level.

The land, purchased for £12m by Trafford Council, is also set to house a leisure centre, an 184-bed hotel and around 154 apartments as the area is transformed into a thriving region. The project has been made possible by UA92 operating as part of Lancaster University – and accommodation will partly be provided by the conversion of Charlton House on Chester Road which is also set for completion in 2019.

Speaking at one of our conferences this year Yvonne Harrison said: ”We want our environment to be quite edgy, pushing boundaries and attracting a wider range of students than who come through the doors of universities at the moment.”

The University aims to take in 675 students in its first intake rising to 5,000 after five years.

Come and listen to UA92 discuss education and skills within the region at the Greater Manchester Economic Growth Conference later this year. It’s not to be missed!