Sheppard Robson submits designs for ‘next chapter’ of Manchester’s Citylabs

Architecture firm Sheppard Robson has submitted designs for the next stage of expansion at Citylabs in Manchester.

The designs cover two science buildings, Citylabs 2.0 and Citylabs 3.0, which are being delivered in a joint venture between developer Bruntwood, science park operator Manchester Science Partnerships and healthcare provider Central Manchester Foundation Trust (CMFT).

Sitting on the south west corner of CMFT’s estate and forming the southern gateway to the biggest clinical-academic campus in Europe, the two new buildings will create offices, laboratories and clinical space in the heart of the city’s Corridor Manchester knowledge quarter.

The Grade II-listed building wrapping around the seven-story Citylabs 3.0 will be modified and refurbished, creating smaller office suites that will complement the new building’s accommodation.

An atrium will connect it with the new structure, allowing the facility to share amenities such as meeting areas and space for dining, conferences and public exhibitions.

It is hoped the expansion will allow biomedical businesses to grow and co-create new health products in collaboration with both the NHS and academia.

Tony O’Brien, partner at Sheppard Robson’s office in Manchester, said: “By weaving together existing buildings with state-of-the-art facilities, the project encapsulates the city’s track record for innovation whilst also looking to its next chapter of scientific research.

“All our designs at Citylabs form an architectural expression that has been to designed to excite and engage.”

Sheppard Robson also designed Citylabs 1.0, which was completed in 2015.