Citylabs expansion wins approval
Manchester City Council’s planning committee has given approval for Manchester Science Partnerships’ two-phase, £60m expansion of the Citylabs biomedical campus at Oxford Road.
The project is a joint venture with Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and will involve the development first of Citylabs 2.0, a £25m building comprising 92,000 sq ft of office and lab space, and then Citylabs 3.0, a 128,000 sq ft scheme blending new build with existing buildings including the listed Old Saint Mary’s Hospital. Sheppard Robson is the architect for both phases.
Construction will begin this autumn on Citylabs 2.0, with completion expected in late 2018. Citylabs 3.0 is due to start in summer 2018 and reach completion in 2020.
Thomas Renn, managing director of MSP, said: “This important development will meet market demand from health and medical technology companies who want to be part of Manchester’s internationally-important and dynamic innovation district. Having unveiled our plans at ESOF last year, we have conducted a thorough consultation exercise and are pleased to have reached this key milestone.
“The success of Citylabs 1.0, which was fully let within 15 months, gives us great confidence that demand will be strong for the high quality scientific and commercial space Citylabs 2.0 and 3.0 will provide. Being located on the CMFT campus at the heart of Corridor Manchester a unique environment for discovery, research, collaboration and commercialisation – makes the proposition truly compelling.”
Why does it have to “win” approval? One side wins, the other loses. Why can’t we all win, why can’t be celebrate compromise?
“Applicant and Planning Authority agree submission neither is fully happy with” would be lovely to see.
Adverserial culture is harsh, nasty and impacting the UK’s mental health.
By Rooney
Great news!
By David