Kadans Science Partner (Kadans) has commenced construction of the 217,000 sq ft Plus Ultra Manchester science and innovation building at the heart of Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter.
Located within the Oxford Road Corridor, the building is scheduled to complete in Q1 2028 and will offer customisable floor plates integrating state-of-the-art labs, cleanrooms, assembly space interlinked with offices and communal spaces to foster collaboration and connection. The ground floor will also feature an incubator for early-stage businesses.
Kadans is targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and WiredScore Gold ratings for the all-electric development.
Will Fogden, country lead and head of development (UK) at Kadans Science Partner, said: “Starting construction on Plus Ultra Manchester marks a significant milestone for both Kadans and Manchester’s innovation sector. Manchester has one of the UK’s most dynamic and well connected ecosystems, combining world class research institutions, a deep talent pool and a thriving base of life sciences and technology companies. The building will provide companies of all sizes the flexible, collaborative infrastructure needed to help research-led organisations grow, innovate and stay in the North of England.
“Plus Ultra Manchester is only the beginning of Kadans’ commitment to the area and the building forms a key tenet of the Upper Brook Street masterplan which aims to create a collaborative district to facilitate knowledge sharing.”
Steven Cochrane, partnership director of Oxford Road Corridor, added: “Plus Ultra Manchester is a welcome addition to the Oxford Road Corridor, further strengthening one of the UK’s most vibrant life sciences clusters. It builds on the research excellence of our universities and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and supports greater collaboration with industry partners to drive real world impact. Developments like this reinforce Manchester’s position as a place where innovation thrives – and where investment in science and technology delivers new jobs and opportunities for the city.”
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester’s economic growth is continuing to outpace the rest of the country, creating more jobs and opportunities for our residents. We boast growing and globally competitive sectors in health innovation and life sciences, digital and AI and advanced materials.
“And with more than 217,000 sq ft of new business space this is a welcome investment in Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter, further bolstering the reputation of the Oxford Road Corridor as a globally recognised hub for learning, research and innovation. This development is an exciting opportunity to build on our strengths, creating jobs and continue our path to an exciting world class city, where everyone benefits.”
Steven Gregory, North West area director for Morgan Sindall, which has been appointed to deliver the development, added: “This landmark scheme marks a major step in Manchester’s growth as a centre for life sciences and innovation. With our strong track record in science and technology projects, we’re well placed to bring this vision to life and create an environment that drives collaboration and ground-breaking research.
“We’re also committed to ensuring lasting community benefits by working with local education providers and employment and community groups to deliver training, job opportunities and a positive legacy for the city.”
Carter Jonas and Knight Frank have been appointed as joint agents on the building.
