Citylabs expansion plans secure green light

Plans by Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) for a two-phase expansion of its Citylabs biomedical campus, which involve making a total investment of £60m, have secured the green light.Proposals for Citylabs 2.0 and 3.0 have been approved by Manchester City Council. The schemes are expected to create 750 jobs and boost Manchester’s economy by more than £100m following completion.Citylabs 2.0 and 3.0 will be delivered by Bruntwood on behalf of MSP and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT). Designed by architect Sheppard Robson and aimed at health and medical technology companies, the two developments are intended to provide high-specification flexible office, laboratory and clinical space.The first phase, the £25m Citylabs 2.0, is all new-build and comprises 92,000 sq ft of grade A lab and office space. Construction work is scheduled to start in late 2017 with completion expected in 2019.And the second phase, the £35m Citylabs 3.0, spans 128,000 sq ft and integrates the development of new buildings with the listed Old St Mary’s Hospital. Construction is due to be completed in late 2021.