Airport employment cluster ready for lift off

Plans have been submitted for the first 1.6m sq ft of buildings at MIX Manchester, the 60-acre industrial and advanced manufacturing campus.

The MIX Manchester partnership, made up of Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Pension Fund, Manchester Airports Group, and Beijing Construction Engineering Group, has submitted a hybrid application for a 24-acre chunk of the £1bn scheme, following a period of public consultation on the proposals.

Documents lodged with the request reveal that the partnership wants full consent for 72,700 sq ft of flexible mid-tech units and a 1,500-space, 444,000 sq ft car park spanning 18 levels.

Outline elements of the project include 500,000 sq ft of medium and large-scale advanced manufacturing space and 600,000 sq ft of R&D, office, lab and hotel uses.

The proposals will be delivered across three parcels of land off Enterprise Way immediately north-east of the airport. The western parcel south of Thorley Lane is currently used as a car park, while the eastern portion of the site is vacant.

The sites sit within the wider 60-acre red line earmarked for the MIX Manchester campus.

The MIX Manchester concept emerged in 2024 as the result of a strategic shift in focus for what was previously known as Airport City.

Where Airport City had promised 5m sq ft of commercial space, MIX Manchester (which stands for Manufacturing Innovation Exchange) has the capacity for 2m sq ft of labs, manufacturing facilities, and the offices required for those companies, alongside three hotels, public realm, and leisure facilities.

5plus has designed the car park. Credit: via Inform Comms

Helen Ratcliffe, head of agency and development at MIX Manchester, said: “The submission of our first planning application follows months of dedication, marking a key step forward in providing cutting-edge innovation and manufacturing space on a high-quality, technology-focused campus, with units scheduled for delivery from Q4 2027.

“Our vision for MIX MANCHESTER has been driven from the start by a dynamic joint venture partnership that is underpinned by Manchester City Council’s commitment to growth.

“By seeking both detailed approval for the initial phase and outline permission for future expansion, we are laying the foundations for our truly transformative development that will support innovative start-ups and growing enterprises and create significant job opportunities within the local economy.”

CBRE is advising on planning. Sheppard Robson is the architect for the mid-tech units and the wider phase one. 5plus is leading on the design of the car park.

Planit, CPW, DFC, Buro Happold, RoC Consulting, Rihbell, and Atkins Realis are also advising.

To learn more about the scheme search for reference number 145543/OO/2026 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal.

JLL and Track Real Estate are the appointed agents for MIX Manchester.