The University of Manchester has announced a £1.7bn project dubbed ‘Sister’ to revamp its north campus. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a thriving innovation district in the heart of the city, creating thousands of jobs and significantly boosting the local economy.
The renamed development, previously known as ID Manchester, will convert the campus into a globally competitive hub. With plans to create 10,000 jobs and generate £1.5 billion annually, the project underscores Manchester’s growing importance in science and technology.
Introducing the ‘Sister’ Innovation District
The ‘Sister’ innovation district is a transformative £1.7bn blueprint dedicated to revitalising a city centre area. Formerly known as ID Manchester, it marks the opening of its first building, revealing its new identity. The project aims to rejuvenate the University of Manchester’s north campus, strategically located between the Mancunian Way and Piccadilly Station.
The core ambition behind ‘Sister’ is to transform the north campus into a four-million-square-foot, globally competitive innovation district. The initiative is designed to elevate Manchester’s stature as a national hub for science and technology. The collaboration between the University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech is central to this vision.
Economic and Social Impact
The district is poised to create over 10,000 jobs and contribute £1.5 billion annually to the local economy, marking it as a significant economic driver. Cutting-edge facilities will propel innovation across critical sectors, including digital tech, health innovation, biotechnology, advanced materials, and manufacturing.
In addition to job creation, the project includes the construction of 1,500 new homes and over two million square feet of commercial, innovation, retail, and leisure space. This development is expected to act as a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity across northern England.
Environmental and Community Benefits
Spanning nine acres, ‘Sister’ will feature a new civic square for Manchester along with enhanced green spaces. This commitment to sustainability and community well-being is core to the district’s ethos.
John Holden, Associate Vice-President at the University of Manchester, stated, “The Renold Building’s opening is a major milestone, capitalising on the university’s capabilities to spark growth in science and technology start-ups.”
A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
The inauguration of the Renold Building commemorates its history as a centre of scientific and technological excellence since 1962. Now transformed into an innovation hub, it offers low and no-cost co-working spaces, private offices, a community cafe, and event areas.
According to John Holden, ‘Sister’ will house some of the UK’s most pioneering businesses, focusing on solutions to societal challenges. The Renold Building’s renovation is the first stage of a 15-year project designed to sustain long-term growth and innovation.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects
Sustainable Ventures, a notable climate tech hub, will relocate to the Renold Building by November, reinforcing ‘Sister’s commitment to environmental and technological advancements.
As part of the strategic partnership, Bruntwood SciTech will facilitate expanded opportunities in various sectors. This collaboration aims to enhance Manchester’s innovation ecosystem, maintaining the city’s historical reputation for groundbreaking ideas and developments.
Councillor Bev Craig of Manchester City Council highlighted the district’s significance, saying it would add to Manchester’s thriving innovation ecosystem and bolster its position at the forefront of future innovation.
Long-term Vision and Milestones
Marking the first phase of a 15-year initiative, the development of ‘Sister’ aims to build on Manchester’s heritage of innovation. The Renold Building’s transformation underscores the project’s long-term commitment to fostering an environment conducive to scientific research and technological advancements.
With the project’s full realisation, Manchester is expected to solidify its status as a leading centre for innovation, research, and economic dynamism. The anticipated milestones over the next decade will gradually unfold as more buildings are inaugurated and facilities come online.
Public and Academic Reception
The reception to the ‘Sister’ innovation district has been overwhelmingly positive, both within academic circles and the broader community. The University of Manchester underscores the project’s potential to make significant strides in research and knowledge dissemination.
The ‘Sister’ innovation district marks a significant milestone in Manchester’s journey towards becoming a global innovation hub. Its focus on creating jobs, boosting the economy, and fostering scientific and technological advancements positions it as a centrepiece of the city’s future.
As the project progresses, ‘Sister’ is anticipated to not only enhance Manchester’s economic landscape but also reinforce its status as a national centre for innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence.
