Manchester has officially opened the first phase of its £1.7 billion ($2.3 billion) ‘Sister’ innovation district, a major science and technology hub developed in collaboration with university and private sector investors. The project, located on the University of Manchester’s former North Campus, aims to transform the city into a prominent science and tech center.
The development will span 2 million square feet of commercial space and include 1,500 new homes, enhancing Manchester’s appeal to startups and investors alike. University cities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Manchester are increasingly creating such environments to attract private investment, a trend the UK’s Labour government supports as a way to boost public services and infrastructure.
A 15-year joint venture between the University of Manchester, Bruntwood SciTech, Legal & General, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund, the project is expected to reach a total investment of £1.7 billion upon completion. The first tenant, climate tech investor Sustainable Ventures, will move into the Renold Building in November.
“This is a significant moment for Manchester,” said Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council. The Sister project is also part of the Greater Manchester Investment Zone, which uses £160 million of public funding to attract businesses over the next decade.