ID Manchester has submitted a planning application for the conversion of the Renold Building at The University of Manchester from educational to commercial use.
The joint venture partnership between the university and Bruntwood SciTech intends to reactivate the building as a home for “forward-thinking entrepreneurs” and SMEs as part of ambitious plans to transform the university’s former North Campus into a new £1.7bn innovation district.
The new vision for the Renold Building comprises co-working, office and meeting facilities and new events and exhibition spaces, including lecture theatres and a community café. Pending application approval, the building is set to open in late 2024.
Bradley Topps, chief commercial officer for Bruntwood SciTech and project director for ID Manchester, said: “The transformation of the Renold Building into an innovation hub marks an important first step in the development of the trailblazing science and technology ecosystem we’re building at ID Manchester. We recognise the importance of the Renold Building to many in the local community and beyond, and we are committed to reactivating the building in a way that celebrates the rich heritage and architecture of the building. We’re very excited to be creating a new home for the next generation of Manchester innovators.”
John Holden, associate vice-president of The University of Manchester and executive committee member for ID Manchester, said: ”The Renold Building will be an invaluable place to bring together like-minded organisations and partners to collaborate, develop and test new ideas. We’re building our innovation ecosystem from the ground up and the Renold Building will be a place that not only accelerates the growth of our city’s most promising entrepreneurs, SMEs and university spin-outs, but also provides the spaces and opportunities to allow our local communities to participate, experience and benefit from innovation too.”
