Growth to be stimulated by airport enterprise zone

Two regeneration plans which could help attract investment and jobs to Wythenshawe – stimulated by the Manchester Airport City Enterprise Zone – are set to be approved.

Manchester City Council's Executive is being asked to endorse the Wythenshawe Town Centre and MediPark regeneration frameworks, which have both been subject to public consultation, when it meets on Wednesday 26 June.

Members of the executive will consider a report which sets out the progress being made on maximising the benefits of the Manchester Airport City Enterprise Zone – a series of linked sites focused around the airport, University Hospital of South Manchester and Wythenshawe Town Centre.

These potential benefits have been increased by the government's High Speed Rail plans which support a station serving the airport as well as a city centre station. The government's support for an airport station is conditional on a local funding contribution.

It is predicted that Wythenshawe town centre will benefit from the growth of Airport City.

The MediPark and Roundthorn Industrial Estate area, one of the other elements of the Enterprise Zone, will provide an opportunity to promote commercial development focused on the health and biotech sectors. These will connect with the research strengths of the nearby hospital.

The Aiport City Enterprise Zone sites total 116 acres and have the potential to create at least 7,000 new jobs for Greater Manchester.

Deputy council leader Sue Murphy said: "Manchester Airport City Enterprise Zone is an important initiative for the whole of Greater Manchester economy and the strong progress to date is welcome.

"In particular the Enterprise Zone represents an enormous opportunity for Wythenshawe.

"We need to ensure that local residents and business gain the maximum benefits. These two regeneration frameworks, allied with plans for a high speed rail station, will help attract development and jobs."

The other Enterprise Zone sites are:

• Airport City North: This is envisaged as a high quality new business district attracting global companies into Grade A offices, high-tech manufacturing and research and supporting facilities such as hotels, leisure and retails.
• Airport City South: Home of the World Logistics Hub supporting the operational growth of the airport and providing opportunities to enhance its logistics role.
• Atlas Business Park: To provide further secondary and back office accommodation linked to operators in Airport City North.

The report also provides an update on work taking place to identify funding for a local contribution towards the cost of the airport High Speed Rail Station.

Manchester Airports Group, Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester are co-operating to bring forward an outline funding package, with work expected to conclude this September.

It is anticipated that improved transport infrastructure would provide a major opportunity for the airport to increase passenger numbers.