Manchester is welcoming a new era with the rebranding of its £1.7billion innovation district. Previously known as ID Manchester, this extensive development is now renamed Sister.
This transformation marks a significant collaboration between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech, promising to advance innovation across various sectors. The new district is set to be a hub for technological progress, job creation, and economic contribution.
Sister, the newly named innovation district, involves a joint venture that transforms The University of Manchester’s North campus into a sprawling 4 million square foot science and technology hub. This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it represents a significant leap towards creating a globally recognised centre for innovation.
Sister is projected to generate over 10,000 full-time jobs on site, contributing approximately £1.5 billion to the regional economy annually. This development will provide more than 1,500 new homes, along with over 2 million square feet of commercial, innovation, retail, and leisure space within a 9-acre public realm. The economic implications are profound, positioning Manchester as a leading tech ecosystem.
With a vision to foster collaboration between industry and academia, Sister is poised to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. This ethos of collaborative innovation draws from the heritage of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). It aims to create an ecosystem of like-minded companies, institutions, districts, and cities.
The inclusive space is designed to connect talent, investment, education, and enterprise. These elements collectively create the perfect conditions for ideas to spark, collaborations to flourish, and innovations to scale.
Wordsworth highlighted the potential for economic growth, noting that the climate tech companies they have supported have already created over 6,000 jobs.
Sister is expected to host some of the UK’s most exciting businesses developing solutions to society’s biggest challenges. This initiative will drive growth for ambitious start-ups and scale-ups, attracting new science and technology companies to Manchester.
With a focus on inclusivity and collaboration, the district is set to be a beacon of technological and economic advancement.
The rebranding of Manchester’s innovation district to Sister symbolises a bold new chapter in fostering collaboration between industry and academia.
With its focus on diverse fields of innovation and commitment to community and economic growth, Sister is poised to become a pivotal centre for technological progress and job creation in the region.