Sister, Manchester

Sister is a 9-hectare district in the heart of Manchester. Transforming the University of Manchester's former North Campus, Sister will form a significant extension of the Oxford Road Corridor, a district which is already home to one of the UK's most densely concentrated innovation clusters with world-leading specialisms in tech and life sciences.

Lead Sponsor

Developer and Investor: ID Manchester Ltd, a joint venture between Bruntwood SciTech and The University of Manchester

Asset Class

Commercial, Life sciences / R&D, Mixed‑use, Offices

Sector Focus

Digital, cyber & AI, Life sciences & healthcare innovation

Investment Ask

Programme sponsors are looking to discuss funding opportunities with investors.

Planning Status

The Renold Building is open and fully tenanted. Planning approval has been secured for the next phase, Plot C, which will deliver 585,000 sq ft of workspace, leisure and community facilities across two buildings.

Key Metrics

Across the 9-hectare site, Sister will deliver over the next 10 to 15 years:

– Approximately 2m sq ft of commercial, retail and leisure space
– 1,500 new homes
– 1,000 purpose-built student accommodation beds

Strategic Rationale

Sister will transform the University of Manchester’s former North Campus, once home to the historic University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), into a vibrant new city centre neighbourhood.

Market Overview

Sister has the potential to:

– Generate 10,000 on-site full-time jobs, alongside training and apprenticeship opportunities
– Contribute around £1.7bn to Manchester’s economy per annum

Sister forms part of the Greater Manchester Investment Zone, which will invest £160m in projects that increase growth and innovation in the region over the next 10 years.

Current Renold Building occupiers include climate tech ecosystem Sustainable Ventures, the Turing Innovation Catalyst and the Pankhurst Institute.

Development Timeline

Refurbishment of the Renold Building is complete and now home to over 100 occupiers. Demolition and site clearance for Plot C, the first new-build commercial development at Sister, is expected in spring 2026.

For More Information

Sam Darby, Development Director – sam.darby@bruntwood.co.uk