Consent for £160m Alderley Park revamp

The redevelopment of the 400-acre Alderley Park by Manchester Science Partnerships into “a world-class life science facility” has been granted planning approval by Cheshire East Council.

MSP acquired Alderley Park, formerly occupied by AstraZeneca, in March 2014. Cheshire East Council took a 10% stake in the site.

The scheme will deliver 400,000 sq ft of office and labs for life science occupiers in addition to more than 1m sq ft of space which already exists on the site. When MSP submitted to application December, it said it was targeting 7,000 jobs within the park.

The plans include up to 275 new homes, up to 60 of which may be retirement homes. The housing will help to generate the necessary investment required for the science campus.

A village hub will offer complementary uses such as shops, and a gastro-pub, alongside a 100-bedroom hotel. A 150,000 sq ft multi-storey car park will provide 534 parking spaces.

As part of the proposals sport and recreation facilities will be open to the public for the first time. The local community will be able to use the existing footpaths, woodland and heritage parkland, which will create links to the surrounding public footpath and bridleway network through National Trust land around Alderley Edge.

The approval is subject to section 106 agreements and sign-off from the Secretary of State.

MSP is a Manchester-based public-private partnership and the UK’s largest science park operator. MSP’s shareholders are Bruntwood, University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Manchester, Cheshire East and Salford City Councils.

The planning application was submitted on behalf of MSP by HOW Planning. The science campus was designed by BDP Architects, with the south campus vision created by Planit IE. Vectos provided advice on highways and transport, and Resolve Public Affairs assisted MSP through the consultation with the local community.

Gary Halman, managing partner at HOW Planning, said: “It is fantastic news that the strategic planning board has supported these exciting proposals which are an important milestone in the rebirth of Alderley Park as a major hub for the life sciences. It’s been a very positive working relationship with Cheshire East, and testament to the shared vision amongst all stakeholders that this site has a pivotal role to play in the UK life sciences sector.”