Morgan Sindall Construction’s North West business has been appointed to Plus Ultra Manchester, a new science and innovation building in the heart of the city’s Knowledge Quarter, by Kadans Science Partner (“Kadans”), a leading European investor in the development of ecosystems and real estate with a dedicated focus on knowledge-intensive sectors.
Work has already begun on what is set to become a vibrant hub located on Upper Brook Street within the Oxford Road Corridor. Home to one of the largest clinical academic campuses in Europe, the building will be surrounded by leading universities, research institutions and technology firms.
Scheduled to complete in Q1 2028, Plus Ultra Manchester will be one of the UK’s largest purpose-built science and innovation developments.
Boasting state-of-the-art facilities designed for adaptability, the campus will foster collaboration among start-ups and mature companies, accommodating organisations across life sciences and health research, advanced materials and deep technology.
The building’s customisable floor plates will integrate state-of-the-art labs, cleanrooms, assembly space interlinked with offices and communal spaces to foster collaboration and connection. The ground floor will feature an incubator for early-stage businesses. Other shared facilities include a café and bar, providing opportunities for the scientific community to come together, a feature forum stairway and atrium providing the central focal point to gather, a multi-faith room, mothering room and high-quality end-of-trip amenities such as a ride in bike storage and workshop.
Sustainability is central to its design, with Plus Ultra Manchester being 100% electric with significant PV panels in addition to its high-performance façade, robust MEP design and efficient controls and renewables. The building is targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and WiredScore Gold – reflecting a design that balances environmental performance with the technical needs of modern research and innovation tenants.
The development is a short walk from the city’s main train station, Manchester Piccadilly, and well connected to the entire Manchester and Northern UK region network via public transportation, including The Bee Network, Greater Manchester's integrated transport network for bus, tram, cycling and walking routes.
Morgan Sindall is also currently delivering Versa, a new purpose-built laboratory facility at the Tileyard Quarter in King’s Cross, London. This follows the successful completion of MAYDE for Kadans, a 114,000 sq. ft life science hub, also within the Tileyard Quarter.
Steven Gregory, North West area director for Morgan Sindall, said: “This landmark scheme marks a major step in Manchester’s growth as a centre for life sciences and innovation. With our strong track record in science and technology projects, we’re well placed to bring this vision to life and create an environment that drives collaboration and ground-breaking research. We’re also committed to ensuring lasting community benefits by working with local education providers and employment and community groups to deliver training, job opportunities and a positive legacy for the city."
Will Fogden, Country Lead & Head of Development at Kadans Science Partner, said: “Starting construction on Plus Ultra Manchester marks a significant milestone for both Kadans and Manchester’s innovation sector. Manchester has one of the UK’s most dynamic and well connected ecosystems, combining world-class research institutions, a deep talent pool and a thriving base of life sciences and technology companies. The building will provide companies of all sizes the flexible, collaborative infrastructure needed to help research-led organisations grow, innovate and stay in the North of England.
“Plus Ultra Manchester is only the beginning of Kadans’ commitment to the area, and the building forms a key tenet of the Upper Brook Street masterplan which aims to create a collaborative district to facilitate knowledge sharing.”
Steven Cochrane, Partnership Director of Oxford Road Corridor, added: “Plus Ultra Manchester is a welcome addition to the Oxford Road Corridor, further strengthening one of the UK’s most vibrant life sciences clusters. It builds on the research excellence of our universities and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and supports greater collaboration with industry partners to drive real-world impact. Developments like this reinforce Manchester’s position as a place where innovation thrives – and where investment in science and technology delivers new jobs and opportunities for the city.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester’s economic growth is continuing to outpace the rest of the country, creating more jobs and opportunities for our residents.
“We boast growing and globally competitive sectors in health innovation and life sciences, digital and AI and advanced materials.
“And with more than 217,000sqft of new business space this is a welcome investment in Manchester’s Knowledge Quarter, further bolstering the reputation of the Oxford Road Corridor as a globally recognised hub for learning, research and innovation.
“This development is an exciting opportunity to build on our strengths, creating jobs and continue our path to an exciting world-class city, where everyone benefits.”
