Manchester Life Sciences Campus Launches to Market

European investor Kadans Science Partner (‘Kadans’) has appointed real estate agencies Knight Frank LLP and Carter Jonas as joint agents to market a landmark science and technology building at the heart of Manchester’s innovation district, the Oxford Road Corridor.

Plus Ultra Manchester is part of the city’s emerging Upper Brook Street campus and will provide 217,000sq ft of state of the art laboratory, cleanroom and office facilities supported by social and community spaces to foster collaboration.

The innovation district is home to one of the largest clinical academic campuses in Europe, attracting researchers, clinicians, students, and academics from around the world. The wider campus will also provide student accommodation and social amenities within a landscaped setting a short walk from the city’s core and main train station. 

The building will be certified BREEAM Excellent, EPC target A and WiredScore Gold. The environmental footprint is minimal, making it a benchmark of excellence for sustainability in science.

Preparatory site work is already underway and Plus Ultra Manchester is due for completion in Q4 2027.

Nicholas Blevins, Head of Life Sciences at Knight Frank, commented: "World-class campuses play a critical role in our ecosystem, bringing together research, talent and investment in places that foster collaboration and discovery. Manchester offers a fantastic environment for growing businesses in a uniquely compact setting. As demand for high-quality laboratory and innovation space continues to rise, creating and sustaining these environments will be essential to supporting the next generation of scientific breakthroughs."

Matt Lee, Head of Science and Technology, Carter Jonas, said: “We’re pleased to continue working with Kadans and to team up with Knight Frank on Plus Ultra Manchester. Our aim is to use our experience and connections in Manchester and the UK’s science and technology sectors to highlight the opportunities at this new, vibrant hub and show the value of joining the Kadans community. Kadans has a strong track record in creating high-quality research spaces where companies can work together. Businesses at Plus Ultra Manchester will benefit from this expertise and from Manchester’s reputation as a centre for collaboration. With its top universities, cutting-edge research institutions, and NHS hubs, it’s a great place for innovative companies to thrive.”

James Sheppard, Executive Director, Kadans Science Partner said: “Manchester is one of the most exciting locations for science & innovation anywhere in Europe at present. We are delighted to be bringing Kadans’ market leading design and operational knowledge to the city at Plus Ultra Manchester. As well as the highest technical and sustainability credentials, the building will provide flexibility for companies ranging from a single lab bench to whole floors. We are pleased to be working with Knight Frank and Carter Jonas on bringing this amazing scheme to life.”

David Porter, Head of Office for Knight Frank Manchester, said: “Innovation and invention are part of Manchester’s DNA and there is global demand from companies large and small to be based here to take advantage of that culture and that ecosystem of collaboration that delivers tangible results. Manchester continues to deliver significantly higher productivity growth than any other UK region and buildings like Plus Ultra Manchester will further support and foster that growth.”