MIX Manchester reaches a major planning milestone as innovation campus vision moves forward
The next chapter of MIX Manchester is now taking shape, with the submission of plans for the first phase of what is set to become one of the UK’s most significant science, innovation and advanced manufacturing destinations.
Located adjacent to Manchester Airport, the development is reshaping the future of airport-connected employment space, creating a globally accessible destination for pioneering businesses in research, technology, manufacturing and innovation. With a long-term vision to deliver 2 million sq ft of flexible workspace, laboratories, advanced manufacturing facilities, hotels and supporting amenities, the scheme is expected to play a significant role in driving economic growth across the region, and strengthening Greater Manchester’s reputation as a centre for industrial and scientific excellence.
For CPW, this latest planning milestone marks an exciting step forward in a project that reflects the scale of ambition now shaping the UK’s innovation economy.
The first phase focuses on the Innovation Quarter, bringing forward more than 70,000 sq. ft of highly flexible mid-tech workspace, designed to support emerging and scaling businesses. Alongside this sits a 1,500-space mobility hub, carefully integrated with cycle facilities, EV-supporting infrastructure and active ground-floor uses, to create a highly connected and future-ready environment from the outset.
Beyond the immediate detailed submission, the wider outline proposals establish the framework for a much larger mixed innovation ecosystem, including advanced manufacturing space, research and development uses, laboratories, office environments and hotel accommodation. Together, these elements will create a campus designed not only for today’s occupiers, but for the long-term needs of future industries.
CPW is proud to be supporting the development through a multi-disciplinary service offering, that reflects both the complexity and strategic importance of the project. Our teams are delivering MEP engineering, sustainability and ESG consultancy, utility infrastructure planning, lighting consultancy, and both whole life and operational carbon services.
This joined-up approach is helping shape a campus that balances technical performance with long-term resilience, ensuring that infrastructure, building services and sustainability strategies evolve in step with the wider masterplan vision.
A project of this scale demands infrastructure thinking at campus level, where energy strategies, utility networks, mobility systems and future occupier needs all need to work together seamlessly. Our role is focused on helping create that technical backbone, supporting a development that must remain adaptable, as occupier demand evolves across science, research and advanced manufacturing sectors.
As businesses increasingly prioritise operational efficiency, ESG performance and low-carbon growth, campuses like MIX Manchester must be designed to meet far more than immediate compliance requirements. Through our whole life carbon and operational energy expertise, CPW is helping embed performance-led decision making into the early stages of the scheme, ensuring the campus is well positioned to support both environmental targets and future investor expectations.
Positioned directly alongside one of the UK’s most internationally connected airports, MIX Manchester will offer immediate access to global markets, supply chains and talent networks. This level of connectivity creates a compelling proposition for businesses operating in sectors where collaboration and international reach are critical.
For the region, it is a major investment in future jobs, future industries and future skills, with the wider campus expected to create up to 8,000 new jobs as it evolves.
The campus is being developed through collaboration between Manchester Airports Group, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Beijing Construction Engineering Group, bringing together expertise in placemaking, infrastructure and long-term regional investment. Across phase one, Sheppard Robson is leading the architectural vision for the mid-tech units and wider Innovation Quarter, while 5plus Architects is leading the design of the mobility hub. The wider consultant team includes Planit, CBRE, Buro Happold, Atkins Réalis, RoC Consulting and other specialist partners.
As the scheme progresses through planning and into delivery, CPW is proud to be part of the wider team helping shape a destination built around connectivity, sustainability and innovation.
MIX Manchester sets the stage for the future of science and manufacturing in the North West, and we look forward to supporting its continued evolution.
All images featured are courtesy of Planit.
If you’re planning a project in Manchester or across the wider North West, our Manchester team is here to help. Get in touch to explore how we can support your vision.