Work starts on Manchester Knowledge Quarter expansion

Morgan Sindall has started work on Plus Ultra Manchester, a purpose-built development that will provide 66,141m² of research and innovation space in the Manchester Knowledge Quarter’s Oxford Road Corridor.

Developed by Kadans Science Partner, the scheme will include a mix of innovation space, student accommodation and amenities. The building’s customisable floor plates will integrate state-of-the-art labs, cleanrooms, assembly space interlinked with offices, and communal spaces designed to foster collaboration and connection.

The ground floor will house an incubator for early-stage businesses. Other shared facilities include a café and bar, a feature forum stairway and atrium, a multi-faith room, mothering room, and bike storage and workshop.

Will Fogden, Country Lead and Head of Development (UK) at Kadans Science Partner, said: “Starting construction on Plus Ultra Manchester marks a significant milestone for both Kadans and Manchester’s innovation sector.

“Manchester has one of the UK’s most dynamic and well-connected ecosystems, combining world-class research institutions, a deep talent pool and a thriving base of life sciences and technology companies. The building will provide companies of all sizes the flexible, collaborative infrastructure needed to help research-led organisations grow, innovate and stay in the North of England.

The project is scheduled to complete in the first quarter of 2028.