Plans lodged for second phase of Manchester Business School development

Commercial property giant Bruntwood and The University of Manchester have submitted plans for the second phase of the 50m redevelopment of Manchester Business School.

The plans include the development of a 40,500 sq ft retail and leisure facility over 14 units for a mix of retail, food and leisure occupiers and forms part of the development of Manchesters Oxford Road Corridor.

Phase two also includes the removal of a link bridge across Oxford Road to improve views and light levels in the area, while public space will also be improved.

Around 200,000 sq ft of MBS facilities will be refurbished as part of the plans to improve teaching and administrative accommodation, a new learning library and enterprise zone.

Phase one includes the construction of a new hotel and enhanced Manchester Business School Executive Education Centre, which is due to start later this year.

Toby Sproll, head of retail and leisure at Bruntwood, said: The creation of a vibrant retail and leisure offer as part of the wider redevelopment of Manchester Business School is vital. Not only is there strong demand for a great retail mix from the Universitys students, staff, workers and local residents, the site is a key strategic location in the Oxford Road Corridor.

At the moment, there is very little retail or leisure provision between the city centre and Whitworth Park. These plans, however, create a new focal point that will provide fantastic amenities to the underserved catchment, attracting customers from first thing in the morning until well into the evening. We are confident demand for this location will see it become a thriving new destination in Manchester.

Diana Hampson, director of estates and facilities at The University of Manchester, added: We share a long-term vision with Bruntwood to deliver not just exemplary facilities for the Manchester Business School and the University, but to create a landmark development in the Oxford Road Corridor.

"We are delighted, therefore, to be submitting this planning application, which will see the implementation of the next stage of the vision. With the other developments proposed or under way in the Corridor, such as the Oxford Road Station, the areas future is set to be very positive.

This development forms part of the Universitys 10-year, 1bn Campus Masterplan to create some of the most modern campus facilities in the world.

Originally posted here:
Plans lodged for second phase of Manchester Business School development