Ambitious build project celebrates first opening and new identity

A joint venture between the University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech previously known as ID Manchester, has opened the doors to its first building, while unveiling its new name as Sister.

Its first customer, Sustainable Ventures, a leading European climate tech hub, will move into the Renold Building in November, marking the first phase of the 15 year project that will transform the University’s former North campus into a 4 million sq ft globally competitive innovation district.

The 110,000 sq ft newly renovated Renold Building will support the growth and scale-up of early-stage start-ups and spin-outs through a range of low and no-cost coworking facilities, private office suites, as well as a community cafe and flexible event spaces accessible to local businesses and community groups. 

Supported by funding through the Greater Manchester Investment Zone, Sister is projected to contribute around £1.5bn GVA per annum to Manchester, with aims to create a positive social impact through the generation of high-quality employment opportunities, including over 10,000 on-site full-time equivalent jobs and accessible routes to education, training and apprenticeships for local people.

Plans include delivery of over 1,500 new homes alongside over 2 million sq ft of commercial, innovation, retail and leisure space. The 9 acres of public realm space will be allocated to creation of a new civic square for Manchester and a variety of new and community green spaces.   

John Holden, Associate Vice-President, The University of Manchester and Executive Committee Member, Sister said: “The opening of the Renold Building is a major milestone in the development of Sister, capitalising on The University of Manchester’s research, innovation and education capabilities to catalyse the growth of successful science and technology start-ups. Sister will be home to some of the most exciting businesses in the UK developing solutions to help tackle society's biggest challenges. We're excited to open the doors to a vibrant new innovation district that will drive growth for ambitious start-ups and scale-ups, attract new science and technology companies to Manchester, and create new opportunities for our staff, students and local communities.”

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