Redevelopments underway for Manchester Science Park’s Base

“This investment is a strong statement of confidence in Manchester’s ever-growing tech and innovation sector which will contribute to the city’s economic recovery and future success.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council

Another step forward has been made for the Innovation District as Base at Manchester Science Park will see a £21m, 91,000 sq ft redevelopment, transforming it into a new specialist hub in the city that will offer specifically designed workspaces for companies working in industries such as low carbon, computer technology, and animation. The five storey building will house office space, laboratories, workshops spaces, a welcome lounge, break-out spaces, and even a roof terrace. 

As well as being of great use to the sector, Base also will be the first project at Manchester Science Park to incorporate measures towards the achievement of Net Zero Carbon. As such it will include; a hybrid heating and cooling system, an A-rated EPC, and the use of solar power. Demand Side Response will also be integrated into the Building Management System to allow power to be drawn directly from the solar PV or battery storage. What’s more, the surrounding area will be developed to provide additional green space, including 50 new trees, amongst other ecological enhancements such as bumblebee hives, bird nest boxes and fruit trees.

Funding has been provided for this impressive project by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the North West Evergreen Fund, and will be managed by CBRE’s Investment Advisory team, part of CBRE Capital Advisors.This investment signifies the growth of the tech sector within Manchester, and highlights its importance in Manchester’s economic recovery.

The Base project also seeks to aid those within its local community too. As evidenced by the fact that Base will be home to the new Manchester Innovation Activities Hub, a vocational training centre dedicated to upskilling and retraining local residents in order to contribute to the growth of Manchester’s knowledge economy, and support the creation of over 1,000 jobs. Delivered by Circle Square-based The Blair Project, this innovative new scheme is another example of Manchester’s dedication to supporting its communities. Additionally, the appointed main contractor for Base, Caddick, has committed to employing 90% of subcontractors from within a 10 mile radius of the site, including 21 apprentices. 

Tom Renn, Managing Director, Bruntwood Sci Tech– Manchester, said: “Base will provide vital new infrastructure for some of the UK’s most innovative businesses at the cutting-edge of industry. It marks another stage of growth and the continued evolution of Manchester Science Park as a magnet to attract world-class science and tech businesses to the city’s specialist ecosystem”.

This exciting development, that is expected to be completed in March 2022, ties into Manchester Science Park’s mission of supporting the growth of the tech and health sector in Manchester, and is a vision that the Oxford Road Corridor fully supports.