Plans for the next phase of the masterplan at Manchester Science Park have been revealed - and it includes the development of a new 80,000 sq ft building.
Aimed at businesses working across computer engineering, energy technology, light manufacturing and materials science, MSP is redeveloping the Base building to provide space to address the industry-specific needs of these sectors.
It also follows the successful development of the Bright Building which is now fully let to 24 digital technology businesses.
Designed by Russell Bridge architects and set over five floors in the heart of Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor innovation district, companies will be able to access a dedicated MakerSpace on the ground floor with workshop space to produce prototypes or modify existing products, along with a welcome lounge, break-out spaces and informal meeting spaces.
Coworking and serviced space will also be available for startups in materials science, engineering and energy technology, whilst larger, more flexible and private spaces are available on the upper floors which also include a roof terrace.
The area around Base is also to be redeveloped to provide green space and areas to relax, socialise or host informal meetings.
Customers locating to Base will be able to access wider facilities and amenities within Manchester Science Park, including meeting rooms, event space, Friska café , the Old Abbey Pub, sport and cycle drying facilities, secure bike storage and electric charging points.
The scheme, which will go to planners in December, is expected to be delivered by the end of 2021.
Most Read
Thomas Renn, Managing Director, Manchester Science Partnerships said: “We are incredibly excited to reveal our plans for Base, which underlines our confidence in the future growth of Manchester’s innovation-led economy, and is the next step in our expansion of the Manchester Science Park campus on its journey to grow to 1m square feet.
“Our planned investment of £21m is a clear statement of our commitment to creating sustainable, future-focused workspaces that support, enable, and nurture innovative businesses.
"We have a fast-growing cluster of ambitious, highly-innovative businesses already based at the campus, and there are some brilliant products, services and devices that have already been created.
"We wait in anticipation of the next generation of companies and innovations that will be created in Manchester and exported to the world.
“The Engineering, energy technology, and light manufacturing sectors have not yet had their workspace design revolution with spaces specifically designed to their needs, so they’ll be able to find these at Base together with the specialist business support required to help them grow their businesses.
“In further advancing our deployment of new technology at Manchester Science Park, our campus continues to be a test bed for new innovation, boosting the region’s standing as a leader in the field of smart cities and implementation and evolvement of new technologies, and cementing the Park’s position as an outstanding location to start and scale a tech company.”