£450m Project Could Transform Manchester District

Manchester could see a significant transformation in one of its neighbourhoods with a £450m investment, leading to the creation of nearly 2,000 jobs.

The plan involves utilising the land in Upper Brook Street, Ardwick, to construct new life sciences facilities and student housing.

The proposed development, which is a collaborative effort by McLaren Property, Property Alliance Group, Moda Living, and Kadans Science Partner has the potential to create almost 2,000 jobs and apprenticeships as well as an estimated £138 boost to the local economy.

The architects responsible for designing the project are Hawkins Brown, Sheppard Robson, and SimpsonHaugh. The development would also encompass green spaces, pocket parks, and improved pedestrian and cycling routes. Additionally, the project includes plans for a GP surgery, a new community centre, as well as retail and cafe units.

Subject to approval, McLaren Property, working in tandem with Kadans, would be responsible for the delivery of 740 student beds, whilst Kadans would provide 218,556 sq ft of technical real estate.

Alliance and Moda Living would jointly deliver around 470,000 sq ft of life sciences space and approximately 1,100 student accommodation beds, 200 of which would be affordable.

The student beds are the first to be announced in Moda Living's pipeline of around 4,000 student accommodation beds.

Development director at McLaren Property, David Atherton, commented: "We are excited to be part of a collective effort to regenerate this suite of disused sites. It is a fantastic opportunity to reimagine this area of Ardwick working with local people, to help set a new direction of positive change.

"The delivery of new sci-tech-led workspaces, student homes, green spaces and jobs can together transform the way in which these sites contribute to the local area and help support its future economic growth. We are excited to progress discussions with local stakeholders and the community as the plans continue to evolve."

James Sheppard, managing director at Kadans Science Partner, also commented: "The plans are a result of a collaborative vision to transform and create a new mixed-use neighbourhood.

"The Manchester science and technology market is growing significantly and desperately requires more highly technical real estate to meet the demand. To address the ever-changing sci-tech landscape, robustness and adaptability continue to drive and inform our industry-leading spaces to promote collaboration and innovation."

Alex Russell of Property Alliance Group, stated: "This masterplan provides an exciting opportunity to unlock and breathe new life into what is a historically rich and vibrant inner-city neighbourhood.

"Residents, students and employees are at the heart of our plans, bringing forward a desirable destination to live and work, with green space, fantastic and much-needed amenities and a place of study and work that attracts and retains the best talent.

"We aim to create a space that is not only recognised internationally for its advanced Life Science facilities and talent pool, but in doing so, creates a safe, thriving community for everyone that lives, works and passes through it.

"We look forward to sharing detailed plans and further partnerships joining on this hugely anticipated collaboration."

Co-founder and director at Moda Living, Oscar Brooks, commented: "Upper Brook Street is an extremely exciting masterplan that will completely transform this key central site into a thriving new urban community in the heart of the city.

"Manchester has one of the most vibrant and exciting student scenes in the country, but as a city has been highly underserved in the delivery of secure, high-quality homes for those students.

"Moda's student homes at the Upper Brook Street neighbourhood will help address that shortage with a focus on wellbeing and student experience, and with social and environmental sustainability at the core of the development.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Alliance, McLaren and Manchester City Council to create an outstanding new part of Manchester."