Jobs, transport and safer cycle routes the key to airport regeneration for the public

Jobs for local people, public transport and safer cycling routes were the key concerns at a public consultation over the regeneration of Manchester Airport. The survey focused on the transformation of the site next to the airport into a ‘world-class science, innovation and manufacturing campus’ - expected to bring 8,000 new jobs.

The report on the new district for the area dubbed 'MIX Manchester' for Manchester City Council's executive by Pat Bartoli, director of city centre growth and infrastructure, said that responses had been received from a wide variety of stakeholders and feedback methods. There were 17,743 paid social media engagements, of which 560 clicked on the consultation link and there were 1,342 consultation webpage views.

Two ‘in-person’ public consultation events were held in September and attendees met the project team face-to-face and invited to ask questions and give feedback. MIX Manchester will include 2m sq ft of advanced manufacturing and science space that will be brought forward in stages across the 60-ace site off the new Enterprise Way link road.

Its backers hope the site will ultimately house 8,000 workers across labs, offices, manufacturing plants and amenities including hotels.

The partnership behind the development includes a portfolio of clients represented by Columbia Threadneedle Real Estate alongside Manchester Airports Group, Beijing Construction Engineering Group International, and Greater Manchester Pension Fund.

It is being brought to market as a “shovel ready” site, as some £30m of joint venture capital has already been invested in highways and utilities infrastructure, including the link road, a new pedestrian bridge and utilities connections. JLL and Track Real Estates have been appointed as agents for the scheme.

Ms Bartoli wrote: “While this is a relatively modest outcome in terms of the level of consultation feedback, it is apparent that there has been a good level of awareness that the consultation was taking place, and that the material has generally been accessible to residents and stakeholders.”

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MIX Manchester, she said, would be perfectly placed to complement and support the growth of the region’s life sciences, advanced materials, digital and technology and clean economies. “Taking advantage of its unrivalled connectivity and central location, MIX Manchester could provide a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with education and research institutions, while utilising the local talent pool to create a thriving community of like-minded businesses where they can by a success on an international stage.”

Active travel issues were ‘frequently raised’ within the feedback, with fully segregated cycle routes rather than shared surfaces, among the most ‘prominent’ comments. Public transport was also a major concern,” wrote Ms Bartoli. “People noted the importance of creating seamless interfaces with existing public transport connections, including an attractive route through to Manchester Airport and the ground-level transport interchange.”

Employment and local job creation were also referenced over the potential opportunity MIX presents. “It was felt strongly that measures should be taken to ensure this has a tangible impact on local people through access to high-quality jobs,” added Ms Bartoli.