Bansco begins 75,000 sq ft Manchester industrial 

Coda @City Works is being developed by Network Space on a 2.8-acre chunk of LTE Group’s former Manchester College site in Openshaw.

Main contractor Bansco has been appointed to build the 75,000 sq ft project, which will provide units ranging from 7,674 sq ft to 29,439 sq ft.

Each unit will feature first-floor office accommodation and large service yards, with 98 car parking spaces and 20 electric vehicle charging points on site.

The scheme forms part of a wider 173,330 sq ft multi-let industrial estate developed and managed by Network Space.

Practical completion is scheduled for summer 2026.

The Welcomb Street scheme, designed by AEW Architects, features on land previously occupied by Manchester School of Building.

The former Manchester College site, accessed from Ashton Old Road, currently comprises eight buildings of varying ages and sizes that were previously used as classrooms and workshops.

Network Space took control of the site in May 2022. The developer already held the long leasehold over the Openshaw plot and purchased three underleases held by college operator LTE Group, which did not expire until 2095.

Joe Burnett, development director at Network Space, said: “Breaking ground at Coda @City Works marks an exciting new chapter for this part of East Manchester. While the scheme will have its own distinct identity, it forms a natural extension and reinforces the long-term success of this employment location.

“The scheme also signals our continued development momentum. Across the wider Network Space portfolio, we have over 700,000 sq. ft of consented MLI space in the pipeline, with several sites due to come forward over the next 12 to 18 months.”

The professional team includes GWB Consultants, Hydrock, Hannan Associates, and Spawforths. Cushman & Wakefield and JLL are the letting agents.