Shaping Manchester's Future: In Conversation with David Sparks, EPR Architects

As Greater Manchester continues to cement its position as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and place-based regeneration, collaboration between the public and private sectors remains a driving force behind the city region’s growth. Ahead of MIPIM 2025, we caught up with David Sparks, Director of EPR Architects’ Manchester Studio, to discuss the practice’s ongoing commitment to the Manchester Invest Partnership, the role of placemaking in delivering the city’s ambitious growth plans, and how good design can shape the future of Greater Manchester’s built environment.

Why has EPR chosen to attend MIPIM with the Manchester Invest Partnership again this year?

This will be our fifth consecutive year of collaborating with the Manchester Invest Partnership since opening our Manchester Studio in 2019. MIPIM and the Mamchester Ivest Partnership present a unique opportunity to represent Manchester to the wider, global property and construction industry. It is a privilege to do so alongside the City council leadership, promoting the city on such a platform.

Why is it important that Greater Manchester’s property sector come together at events like MIPIM?

By showcasing the strength of Manchester as an investible proposition, MIPIM commands the attention of the city’s most innovative, talented and passionate individuals – uniting them in representing Manchester. In doing so, MIPIM not only strengthens the relationship between the city and the global market but strengthens relationships between the assembled businesses around the shared endeavour of promoting and celebrating the achievements of the city.

What are you most looking forward to at MIPIM 2025, and what are your main priorities for the event?

Once again, we saw the strength of the Manchester at MIPIM programme unfold over three intense yet essential days of discussion, debate and learning. Our main priorities are to meet with like-minded individuals and add our skillset to the continued growth of Manchester and GMCA’s economy.

Greater Manchester has just revealed its ambitious plan for growth over the next 10 years. Why do you think a place-based approach is critical in achieving growth?

Placemaking is essential for authentic, sustainable and transformational growth, bringing all stakeholders together on the journey to improve quality of life and outcomes across the city region. The built environment plays a crucial role in this process, supporting and contributing to the development of skills (across all age demographics), creating local employment opportunities and enhancing the region’s ability to attract talent and investment from outside the city.

How can architects ensure cohesion across architecture, interiors and master planning?

Collaboration is at the heart of the property and construction industry, driving its continued success in attracting investment and fostering further growth. Manchester’s leadership presents a clear, cohesive vision of how the private and public sectors can work in partnership to deliver transformational, place first, sustainable development. Architects are a key part of this ecosystem, but it’s the cohesive, strong partnership between the public and private sectors that lays the foundation for growth.

Why is it important to protect the heritage and character of our places while creating new communities?

Heritage assets are an essential component of placemaking and the celebration of local character. They represent a fundamental component by which the past can be celebrated, and it is a privilege to reimagine and reinvigorate such assets through our work across the hospitality, commercial and residential sectors in Manchester and the city region.

How do sustainability and environmental concerns influence these disciplines?

Sustainability is at the heart of EPR’s approach to architecture, master planning and interior design - and is a core principle that guides our work across all sectors. We are fortunate to work with clients who share these values, allowing us the opportunity to develop best-in-class designs that not only innovate but also directly tackle the challenges of the environmental crisis, contributing to the pursuit of net-zero carbon and regenerative design.

Greater Manchester has a booming office market and plans for innovation-led growth. How can architecture and master planning support innovation?

Manchester’s ambitious environmental and social targets create a platform for architects, master planners and, indeed, all designers of the built environment to innovate and strive to exceed these goals.

The largest pre-lets within the office and commercial sector are a key indicator of the value of innovation, highlighting the ongoing development of best-in-class, grade A, net-zero carbon commercial spaces. These developments are essential for sustaining growth by attracting and retaining the top talent to live, work and thrive in the city region.

How important is retrofit in Greater Manchester’s office market?

Retrofit is an essential component of the commercial ecosystem, and the repurposing and reinvigoration of existing buildings is fundamental to provide a diverse range of commercial products. This approach not only promotes sustainability by capitalising on the carbon already embedded in existing structures but also helps create a sustainable future by enhancing energy use throughout their continued life cycle.

Greater Manchester has also just introduced a new strategy for the visitor economy over the next five years, and EPR has expertise in hotels and interiors – how can good design support the growth in this market?

Manchester has much to be proud of regarding its hospitality sector, which is poised for further growth in the coming years. Great design is crucial for creating hospitality environments that tell authentic stories and celebrate their unique locations. EPR’s contextual approach to design and the celebration of historic, heritage assets where appropriate, along with the integration of sustainable technologies, is essential for securing a healthy, long-term operational future for these assets. This approach not only fosters continued investment and success but also encourages further growth in the sector.

With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, heritage preservation, and innovative placemaking, EPR Architects plays a pivotal role in shaping Greater Manchester’s evolving landscape. As the city region embarks on its ambitious journey of growth, the practice’s collaborative ethos and design expertise will continue to support the delivery of transformational projects that enhance quality of life, attract investment, and celebrate the unique character of the places they create.

To find out more about what EPR Architects have planned, find them at the Manchester Invest stand at MIPIM 2025.