Latest step in £1.7bn plans to create 'vibrant new neighbourhood' in Manchester
The latest update surrounding a £1.7 billion masterplan to renovate a city centre district has been revealed.
ID Manchester is a project to regenerate the University of Manchester's north campus between the Mancunian Way and Piccadilly Station. Bosses say it will create new homes, and estimate it will create 4,000 jobs.
It is also set to create business and educational premises. The project is set to take 15 years to complete, and those behind it have issued a new update on its progress.
READ MORE: Smoke pours from industrial unit as firefighters tackle blaze
ID Manchester is a partnership between developers Bruntwood and the University of Manchester. A consultation document states: "Together, we plan to revamp an underused site in the city, previously used as the University’s North campus and situated between Piccadilly Station and Oxford Road.
"Over the next 15 years, ID Manchester will transform this area into a vibrant new neighbourhood and innovation district." They say an 'innovation district' is a location where research institutions and businesses join forces and benefit from each other's skills.
The document continues: "ID Manchester will feature spaces for businesses, new homes, community facilities, and public areas, creating a vibrant neighbourhood for living, working, and visiting. Our aspiration for ID Manchester is to be an inclusive and welcoming place for all and to create employment and training opportunities for young people and local communities.
"We believe that when communities, educational institutions, and businesses collaborate, we can make a positive impact across Greater Manchester." The part of the project which is set to open first is the University of Manchester's Renold Building.
Due to open late this year, the former lecture hall has been subjected to a 'light refurbishment' and will become be a 'new home for early-stage science and technology businesses, as well as a neighbourhood hub, with events, activities and spaces open to local communities'.
The first major part of the development is set to be 'Zone C', facing London Road and Altrincham Street.
The document states: "Zone C will be the district’s first major development and the intention is to deliver a flagship commercial office building capable of providing flexible space suited to a range of occupiers including large national and international businesses, as well as start-ups who have grown from the Renold Innovation Hub.
"Attracting the right calibre of businesses to the district will be key to the success of ID Manchester, with Zone C driving significant economic benefit to local people and businesses through the creation of over 4,000 new jobs."
Those behind the plans are inviting residents to submit their feedback regarding the plans. The consultation document is available here.