Science park new-build goes on site

Worthington Construction has started on site with the first new building on Manchester Science Partnerships' central Corridor campus since the completion of its new masterplan by the BDP Manchester Studio last year.

Also designed by BDP, the 70,000 sq ft centre for science and technology businesses is set within the centre of the campus off Oxford Road.

MSP plans to triple the current provision of 350,000 sq ft over the next decade.

Inspired by the DNA sequence, BDP architect director Gary Wilde described the building as having 'a varied bandwidth appearance to the north and south elevations, created by horizontal linear windows which punctuate the elevations' brick-clad blocks.'

Heart of the Park will contain workspace over four floors of 16,146 sq ft each of which are accessed from the central atrium space. The ground floor will accommodate a café, meeting rooms and networking spaces.

MSP hopes the centre will support collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors and said its procurement was triggered by a surge in demand from innovation-led businesses involved in the science and technology sectors who wanted to locate alongside MSP's university and clinical partners.

Wilde, BDP workplace team leader in Manchester, said: "The Heart of the Park will see an intensification of the existing assets at MSP within the science and technology sectors.

"The building is conceived as a solid 'brick clad' block sitting atop a lightweight transparent plinth. The upper block of accommodation is then split into two halves – like the two halves of a shell which are pulled apart to reveal the gateway entrances into the building and providing views into the spaces beyond."

Thomas Renn, associate commercial director at Manchester Science Partnerships, added: "Our aim for the Heart of the Park is to maximise opportunities to connect the MSP community, supporting engagement and collaboration. We see the design of the building, complimented with the right amenities, embedded technology and our programme of business support and social events as key to achieving this."

Bounded by existing Williams House and Kilburn House, the building will act as a gateway to the site from the university campus and Oxford Road.