Manchester’s ambitious £1.7 billion innovation quarter, known as “Sister,” is moving forward with its next development stage, set to transform the former North campus of The University of Manchester into a four-million-square-foot hub for science and technology.
Located on the edge of the city centre, the project will deliver two new towers of 12 and 20 storeys in “Zone C,” creating more than half a million square feet of flexible commercial space.
Previously called ID Manchester, “Sister” is a partnership between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech. While the development prioritises cutting-edge workspaces for start-ups, researchers, and established firms, the masterplan also focuses on heritage preservation. Historic assets such as the Hollaway Wall and a Grade II listed viaduct will be reactivated, and landscaped public realms aim to boost biodiversity and well-being. There are also plans to establish a new pedestrian route along Altrincham Street, improving access to Piccadilly Station, Mayfield Park, and the Oxford Road Corridor.
The project’s first building, the Renold Innovation Hub, opened last autumn, providing a blueprint for future construction. Once complete, the overall scheme is anticipated to deliver 10,000 new jobs. In “Zone C,” developers intend to blend social spaces, leisure facilities, and sustainable design elements in order to create an environment that attracts researchers, entrepreneurs, and local residents alike.
Sam Darby, development director for Sister and Bruntwood SciTech, says community engagement remains vital for shaping a hub that meets local needs. Feedback from residents, business owners, and other stakeholders is welcomed at upcoming consultation events, with organisers eager to embed the community’s views into final plans.
Ultimately, “Sister” aims to reinforce Manchester’s reputation as a global innovation hub, leveraging its academic strengths and rich industrial heritage to form a next-generation precinct that balances modern development with the city’s historical character.
