The joint venture partnership has announced it is in advanced talks around the Council, and existing shareholder Greater Manchester Pension Fund to acquire 50% share in Mix Manchester.
Commenting on behalf of MIX MANCHESTER Gareth Jackson, group property director at Manchester Airports Group, said:
“We can confirm we are in talks with MCC and GMPF regarding their potential investment in MIX MANCHESTER. We believe this represents an incredible opportunity to be part of one of most exciting science, innovation, and manufacturing developments in the UK and we look forward to releasing more information regarding this very soon.”
The announcement comes on the back of Manchester City Council’s Executive Committee approving amends to the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) in November last year, following an eight-week period of public consultation with local residents, community groups, councillors and stakeholders.
Leader of the Council Bev Craig said:
“MIX MANCHESTER is an ambitious next phase for Manchester Airport and Wythenshawe, and another important engine of economic growth for the city, which will deliver thousands of high-quality jobs creating great opportunities for our residents.
“MIX is perfectly located to provide a platform for high growth industry to thrive and to continue to build on the city’s reputation as a centre of excellence for research, science, tech and manufacturing. This investment also complements the wider regeneration of Wythenshawe, including the transformation of the town centre and infrastructure investment at the hospital.
“Our ambition is for MIX Manchester to be an exemplar for public private collaboration, maximising the social and economic impact for the people of Manchester, while generating financial returns for the city.”
MIX MANCHESTER will be one of the largest science and innovation campuses in the UK, delivering 2 million sq ft of high-quality advanced manufacturing and innovation space. It will be the only UK campus of its kind adjacent to an international airport and will create up to 8,000 jobs.
A range of buildings will be available, including mid tech, advanced manufacturing, research and development, laboratory and office spaces, alongside complementary amenities such as hotels, leisure facilities and high quality public realm.
In total, £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.
