The University of Manchester has paused its procurement process to find a development partner for its £1.5bn innovation district.
In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, the University has notified the four highest scoring bidders that it is pausing the procurement process and the timetable for “the detailed dialogue stage” for eight weeks, when the situation will be reviewed.
ID Manchester will be a new neighbourhood which will include 4m sq ft of mixed-use space including large areas of public realm.
The focus will be on attracting science, research, development, cultural, and tech companies, along with some residential development; overall, there is expected to be 2.6m sq ft of offices and work space.
The development has the potential to create more than 6,000 jobs for the region.
Last year, for an investment and development partner for the site, which will be in a joint venture.
President and vice-chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “Clearly, it makes sense to pause the procurement process as we all adapt to the unprecedented circumstances caused by the coronavirus outbreak, but we remain committed to this project and I still truly believe we can make ID Manchester the innovation capital of Europe, providing
the perfect conditions for organisations of all sizes and from different sectors, to share knowledge and work together turning incredible ideas into reality.”
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Diana Hampson, director of estates and facilities at The University of Manchester said: “This is more than a property transaction. ID Manchester will create a new, world-class innovation district situated in the heart of Manchester and alongside the University.
“Although we are pausing the procurement process in response to current circumstances, we look forward to resuming detailed dialogue with the selected bidders (perhaps using some alternatives to face-to-face meetings) in order to advance this exciting project.”
She added: “ID Manchester will be a unique new neighbourhood. Our vision draws on Manchester’s ecosystem of ideas, discovery, research and development, and ID Manchester will provide the canvas on which all those strands can come together to take urban regeneration to a whole new level.
“ID Manchester will be where our most valuable discoveries today, are tried, tested and developed into the technology, buildings and commerce of tomorrow.”