JV formed for world-leading Manchester innovation hub

A £1.5bn joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech has been completed in order to develop the proposed ID Manchester science and technology innovation hub.

When complete, ID Manchester will be the base for a global community and an exemplar for a new approach to sustainable development. It will provide more than 370,000m² of space, including 240,000m² of new commercial workspace, 1,350 apartments, two hotels, and a £28M investment in the public realm that will provide a focal point for a vibrant events programme.

The University of Manchester has been advised by Eversheds Sutherland, CBRE, KPMG and Start Advisory. Law firm Addleshaw Goddard advised Bruntwood SciTech.

On behalf of the JV, Diana Hampson, Director of Estates and Facilities at The University of Manchester and Chris Oglesby, Executive Chair of Bruntwood SciTech jointly said: “ID Manchester will become the most valuable single-site, city centre, mixed-use development outside of London and the most connected location in the North of England.

“ID Manchester will be a cornerstone of the city region and the UK’s innovation strategy, driving prosperous economic and inclusive growth and investment, and becoming one of the most exciting projects driving levelling up and R&D translation. Over the next few months we’ll be developing the masterplan for the site and look forward to sharing it in due course.”

ID Manchester is located to the south of the city centre adjacent to Piccadilly Railway Station, the University of Manchester campus, and the existing innovation ecosystem clustered around Oxford Road, part of the largest clinical academic campus in Europe.