Receiving planning approval in December 2020, Hawkins\Brown and General Projects are working together on the scheme to create the 350,000 sq ft, five-building campus. Pollard Street will feature spaces ranging from micro-units to Grade A creative next-gen workspace, appealing to ambitious start-ups, fast-growing SMEs and established businesses.

Organisations located at the development will be committed to support local people through ‘community give back’ initiatives such as mentoring, training, employment or supporting apprenticeships. Hawkins\Brown is also looking to deliver mentoring and internships opportunities during pre-construction and construction.

A better, healthier and safer environment

Located alongside the Ashton Canal and inspired by the city’s historic cotton and textile mills, the development will provide over two acres of new, exceptional public space, benefitting from from a £5m investment into landscape and green space.

Pollard Street will offer a car-free policy, low carbon transport links and an innovative low-carbon approach to construction and operation, while 50 new mature trees will be planted on site and 550 bike spaces will be provided.

A new standard for social investment

By forming a new Community Wealth Partnership with Manchester City Council, General Projects’ vision is to deliver a range of targeted social initiatives, including:

• Mentoring programmes for local young people and businesses
• Free workspace for local start-ups
• Apprenticeship and internship programmes to tackle local unemployment
• Commitments to generate over 5,000 hours of community voluntary work per year
• A programme of regular events including school open days to skills and training events