Manchester City Council has approved plans from science and technology park operator Manchester Science Partnerships (MSP) for a £60 million investment in a two-phase expansion of its Citylabs biomedical campus.

The Citylabs 2.0 and 3.0 development that is to be delivered by Bruntwood on behalf of the joint venture between MSP with Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) is expected to create 750 jobs and boost Manchester’s economy by more than £100 million.

Designed by architects Sheppard Robson, and aimed at health and medical technology companies, Citylabs 2.0 and 3.0 will provide high-specification, flexible office, laboratory, and clinical space.

Thomas Renn, Managing Director of Manchester Science Partnerships said: “We are delighted to have obtained planning consent for this important development which will meet market demand from health and medical technology companies who want to be part of Manchester’s internationally-important and dynamic Innovation District …

“The success of Citylabs 1.0, which was fully let within 15 months, gives us great confidence that demand will be strong for the high quality scientific and commercial space Citylabs 2.0 and 3.0 will provide.”

Chris Roberts, Chief Development Officer for Bruntwood, which submitted the planning application on behalf of MSP said: “We are excited to move forward with the Citylabs expansion project, using the experience we gained with Citylabs 1.0 in giving an historic Grade II listed hospital building a new lease of life.

“Alongside Circle Square and the Alliance Manchester Business School developments, the expansion of Citylabs reinforces Bruntwood’s commitment to the growth of Corridor Manchester.”

Corridor Manchester’s status as an Enterprise Zone means that occupiers of Citylabs 2.0 and 3.0 will be able to access significantly reduced business rates and super-fast connectivity.