MIX MANCHESTER launches consultation on plans for the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation, and manufacturing campus
MIX MANCHESTER is taking its plans for the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation, and manufacturing campus to public consultation to ensure its plans serve the local community in Wythenshawe and beyond.
The joint venture partnership behind MIX MANCHESTER is taking its plans for the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation, and manufacturing campus to public consultation, following approval in principle of the draft Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) by Manchester City Council’s Executive Committee.
The MIX MANCHESTER SRF has been prepared by planning consultant, CBRE, to deliver a revised masterplan that has been developed by Sheppard Robson over the past two years.
The draft SRF was granted approval in principle by the Manchester City Council Executive Committee on 24 July 2024 to go out to public consultation.
An eight-week public consultation is now live, allowing local residents, the wider community and other key stakeholders the opportunity to share their views on the masterplan. The SRF will then be updated in line with these comments and – following securing the subsequent approval from Manchester City Council – will become a material consideration for the Council as Local Planning Authority.
Members of the public are invited to leave their feedback via the MIX MANCHESTER website (www.mix-manchester.com). Feedback and enquiries can also be sent to feedback@mix-manchester.com or by calling a dedicated freephone number on 0800 068 8471.
Local in-person events will be held at Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre on Portway, Wythenshawe, on Monday 9 September from 9:30am – 2:30pm and Tuesday 17 September from 4:30pm – 7:30pm.
Wythenshawe residents living in close proximity to the site will also receive direct communications in the coming weeks, with instructions on how to respond to the consultation.
Speaking on behalf of the joint venture partnership, Gareth Jackson, group property director at Manchester Airports Group, commented: “Since the launch of MIX MANCHESTER in May, we have been working closely with our planning consultant, CBRE, and our wider project team to finalise the draft SRF.
“We are thrilled to gain approval in principle for our masterplan for this ambitious site and look forward to beginning the public consultation – to share our vision for MIX MANCHESTER and engage with the wider community to ensure our plans are well-designed to meet local needs.”
MIX MANCHESTER will see the creation of the UK’s best-connected science, innovation, and manufacturing campus at Manchester Airport.
Located off the new Enterprise Way link road, the 60-acre site will be brought forward in a phased manner, subject to planning approval.
Once completed, the development will be one of the largest science and innovation campuses in the UK, delivering two million sq. ft. of high-quality advanced manufacturing and science space. It will be the only UK campus of its kind adjacent to an international airport and will create up to 8,000 jobs.
Driven by occupier demand, a range of buildings will be available, including advanced manufacturing, research and development, laboratory and office spaces, alongside complementary amenities such as hotels, leisure facilities and public realm.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council's executive member for housing and development, said: “The vision for MIX MANCHESTER presents another significant investment in our city that enhances our reputation as a centre of excellence in science and innovation – and a further platform for economic growth in our emerging industries. The campus will create thousands of jobs and supports the ongoing regeneration of our communities in Wythenshawe, as well as cementing Manchester’s place as a leader in innovation on a global scale.”
The JV partnership behind MIX MANCHESTER includes a portfolio of clients represented by Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI), and Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF).
With £30m of joint venture capital having already been invested in highways and utilities infrastructure, MIX MANCHESTER is being brought to market as a ‘shovel-ready’ site. A new pedestrian bridge linking to the main airport site, the Enterprise Way link road and the installation of high voltage electricity and utilities connections have already been completed, as well as three brand new hotels.
JLL and Track Real Estates have been appointed as agents for MIX MANCHESTER.