Network Space Developments has secured planning permission for four new industrial units at its site on Welcomb Street, Openshaw, in Manchester.

Acquired in 2022, the former Manchester College site covers 4 acres and will be redeveloped to form an extension to the adjacent City Works Business Park.

Approved by Manchester City Council, the full planning application allows for the demolition of several buildings that had been previously used as workshops by the Manchester School of Building. These will make way for 75,173 sq ft of multi-let industrial accommodation for B2 and B8 uses.

The scheme, designed by AEW Architects, is accessed from Ashton Old Road (A635) and will comprise of four highly sustainable commercial units with first floor ancillary office space, ranging from 7,674 sq ft to 29,439 sq ft. Externally, there will be generous service yards, 98 car parking spaces with 20 EV charging points.

The site is just 4km from both the city centre and the M60 which, in turn, provides transport links to the M67, M56 and M62, allowing connectivity with key regional hubs Liverpool, Warrington, Leeds and Sheffield. The scheme’s sustainability credentials are strengthened with various bus routes close by and Ashbury train station just 1km away.

Joe Burnett, Development Director for NSD, commented: “We’re thrilled to have secured planning permission for this project, which marks the final phase of development at City Works Business Park. While this new scheme will have its own identity, it will complement the existing City Works, which remains a flagship NSD project and is a testament to our commitment to deliver high-quality, sustainable industrial spaces.”

“Located in a sought-after area of Greater Manchester, the site is perfectly positioned for industrial and last-mile logistics uses, with the added benefit of accessibility to a skilled local workforce. This new phase will provide commercial occupiers with premium, sustainable facilities in a prime location. Demolition is now underway and we intend to be on site with the main building works next year.”

City Works Business Park, also developed by NSD and now owned and managed by Network Space Investments, is a highly successful hub of 48 trade and warehouse units ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 sq ft, totalling 173,330 sq ft. Fully let to a mix of trade, industrial, and employment tenants, the park exemplifies NSD’s expertise in delivering high-quality, functional, and sustainable developments.

The professional team included AEW Architects, GWB Consultants, Hydrock, Hannan Associates and Spawforths, who all advised NSD on the planning application. The agents for the scheme are Rob Taylor from Cushman & Wakefield and Ruth Leighton from JLL.