Manchester City Council’s Executive Committee has approved amends to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for MIX MANCHESTER, the UK’s first airport-based science, innovation, and manufacturing campus.
The amends were made following an eight-week period of public consultation on the draft SRF, which soughts views on the masterplan from local residents, community groups, councillors and stakeholders through online and in-person forums.
A number of minor amendments to the SRF have been approved, including making reference to enhancements to the cycle and walking connections and updating footpath references within the SRF, the requirement for further traffic modelling and inclusion of reference to Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework (2023). In addition, further investigation and consideration of existing watercourses and proposed drainage systems will be undertaken.
The Executive Committee’s approval of the amends will also ensure that the Planning and Highways Committee take the SRF into account as a material consideration when considering forthcoming planning applications for the site.
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).
Speaking on behalf of the joint venture partnership, Gareth Jackson, group property director at Manchester Airports Group, commented: “It’s great to have had such a positive response during the consultation programme and thanks to everyone who has taken part. MIX MANCHESTER’s airport location and capacity makes this arguably one of the best locations in the UK to support innovation-led businesses, with a strong presence in manufacturing and life sciences. We’re pleased to have the committee’s support to drive MIX MANCHESTER forwards and expect to submit our first planning applications in 2025.”
Leader of the Council Cllr Bev Craig said: “MIX MANCHESTER represents the next chapter in the story of Manchester Airport and another important engine of economic growth for the city. Its enviable location provides a platform for new and existing business to thrive and further builds on Manchester’s reputation as a centre of excellence for science and manufacturing. The campus will create thousands of new job opportunities and will help cement our city as a global leader for innovation.”
As well as being endorsed by Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, MIX MANCHESTER also benefits from relocation support from Manchester’s inward investment agency, MIDAS.
Since MIX MANCHESTER was launched in May 2024, Dakota Hotels has confirmed it will be developing its second Manchester hotel at the site. In addition, Whitbread PLC has announced that it intends to build largest Premier Inn in the north within the Airport’s hotel district.
To date, £30m of joint venture capital has been invested in highways and utilities infrastructure to service MIX MANCHESTER. 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 on the ‘shovel-ready’ site.
MIX MANCHESTER will be the only UK campus of its kind adjacent to an international airport and will create up to 8,000 jobs.
Shepard Robson and Planit designed the masterplan; CBRE is acting as planning consultants; and JLL and Track Real Estates have been appointed as agents.
ENDS