Plans submitted for first phase of £1.7bn ID Manchester 

Bruntwood SciTech and the University of Manchester have unveiled proposals to overhaul the 110,000 sq ft Renold Building, from teaching space into into a hub for tech and science companies. 

The project is the first to come forward within the £1.7bn ID Manchester masterplan, the proposed transformation of the university’s former UMIST campus into a 4m sq ft innovation district. 

“The transformation of the Renold Building into an innovation hub marks an important first step in the development of the trailblazing science and technology ecosystem we’re building at ID Manchester,” said Bradley Topps, chief commercial officer at Bruntwood SciTech and project director for ID Manchester. 

“We recognise the importance of the Renold Building to many in the local community and beyond, and we are committed to reactivating the building in a way that celebrates the rich heritage and architecture of the building. We’re very excited to be creating a new home for the next generation of Manchester innovators.” 

Built in 1962 and comprising lecture theatres and seminar rooms, The 110,000 sq ft Renold Building is one of several that the JV between Bruntwood and the university plans to retain as part of the regeneration project. 

The building will provide around 42,000 sq ft of co-working, office, and meeting facilities to accommodate and support collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses, and partner organisations.  

Events and exhibition spaces, including lecture theatres and a community café, will be accessible to local businesses, community groups, and arts and culture organisations to host and participate in events and activities. 

Space Invader is leading on design and Deloitte is the planning consultant. 

To learn more, search for application reference 139124/FO/2024 on Manchester City Council’s planning portal. 

John Holden, associate vice-president at the University of Manchester, added: ”The Renold Building will be an invaluable place to bring together like-minded organisations and partners to collaborate, develop and test new ideas.  

“We’re building our innovation ecosystem from the ground up and the Renold Building will be a place that not only accelerates the growth of our city’s most promising entrepreneurs, SMEs and university spin-outs, but also provides the spaces and opportunities to allow our local communities to participate, experience and benefit from innovation too.” 

Pending application approval, the building, vacant since 2021, is set to open in late 2024.