The city of Manchester, in northern England, has officially opened the first phase of a £1.7 billion ($2.3 billion) science and technology innovation hub.

This project, located on the former North Campus of the University of Manchester, is a joint initiative involving university and private sector investors.

The innovation district, called Sister, is designed to boost Manchester's status as a science and technology hub. It will offer 2 million square feet (186,000 square meters) of commercial space and include 1,500 new homes. The project aims to create an environment where investors can easily collaborate with start-up companies, a model already seen in other university cities like Oxford and Cambridge. This strategy aligns with the UK Labour government’s push to attract private investment to support public services and infrastructure improvements.

The Sister project is a 15-year joint venture between the University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech, a company owned by Bruntwood, Legal & General, and the Greater Manchester Pension Fund. Upon completion, the total investment in the district will reach £1.7 billion.

Sustainable Ventures, a climate tech investment company, will be the district’s first tenant, moving into the Renold Building this November.

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, described the launch as a "significant moment for Manchester."

The Sister project is part of the government-backed Greater Manchester Investment Zone, which is using £160 million of public funding to attract businesses to the city over the next decade. Further plans for major development zones within the district will be announced soon. Photo by Bradshaw79, Wikimedia commons.