MIX Manchester submits plans for 1.6m sq ft airport innovation campus
Hybrid application seeks consent for first phase of major science and manufacturing scheme.
16 April 2026
A hybrid planning application has been submitted for the first phase of MIX Manchester, a major science, innovation and advanced manufacturing campus located adjacent to Manchester Airport.
The proposals, brought forward by a joint venture including Manchester Airports Group, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Beijing Construction Engineering Group, cover more than 1.6 million sq ft of development across a 60-acre site.
The application, submitted to Manchester City Council following a period of public consultation, seeks detailed consent for the initial phase alongside outline approval for the wider scheme.
Phase one includes more than 70,000 sq ft of flexible “mid-tech” workspace aimed at early-stage and scaling businesses, alongside amenity provision. A 1,500-space multi-storey mobility hub is also planned, incorporating cycle facilities, ground-floor commercial uses and supporting infrastructure, as well as new public realm designed to shape the emerging campus.
In addition to the detailed proposals, the hybrid application outlines a substantial expansion of the site. This includes up to 500,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing space and a further 600,000 sq ft of research and development, office, laboratory and hotel uses.
Once fully built out, MIX Manchester is expected to deliver up to two million sq ft of employment space and support around 8,000 jobs, positioning the scheme as a significant component of the region’s innovation and industrial strategy.
The development is being positioned as the UK’s first airport-based campus combining science, innovation and manufacturing uses, reflecting growing demand for locations that offer strong connectivity alongside specialist workspace.
Helen Ratcliffe, Head of Agency and Development at MIX Manchester, said the submission marks a key milestone following months of consultation and design development. She added that the scheme is intended to support both start-ups and established occupiers, while creating long-term employment opportunities.
The hybrid planning approach is intended to enable early delivery of initial buildings while maintaining flexibility for future phases as occupier demand evolves. Subject to approval, the first units are scheduled for completion from the fourth quarter of 2027.
Planning consultancy services for the scheme have been provided by CBRE, with leasing agents including JLL.
