Developer sought for Manchester Campus project

The University of Manchester has submitted a PIN (Prior Information Notice) to the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), to begin pre-market engagement as part of its search to find an investor and development partner to deliver a new Innovation District in the city centre.

To be called ID Manchester, the vision is for a 26-acre dynamic, world-class community with innovation, collaboration and enterprise at its heart, with the potential to create over 6,000 new jobs.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “We are looking for the very best joint-venture partner to work with us to develop this prime site in the heart of the city which will generate thousands of new jobs and will enhance the reputation of the University and the city as the place where the world’s most valuable ideas are transformed into reality.”

The project could comprise a circa 325,000m² of mixed-use space including three acres of high quality public realm.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The potential of ID Manchester is huge. There are tremendous opportunities to regenerate this distinctive part of the city and we welcome the University’s growth, investment and job-creation ambitions for the development.”

ID Manchester is adjacent to Manchester’s main public transport hub Piccadilly Railway Station and future HS2 station, and is a 20 minute train journey to the international airport.

ID Manchester is said to be 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.