Manchester Business Park is a light industrial development located on an undeveloped plot within a well-established out-of-town office park. The project reimagines a long-stalled office allocation as a high-quality industrial scheme that responds to changing market demand while respecting its commercial and residential context.

The site is located on a plot within Manchester Business Park, located a short distance from Manchester Airport. Although originally allocated for office use and supported by outline planning, changing market conditions mean there’s now much smaller demand for out-of-town offices. As a result, the site sat vacant for many years.

Ask Real Estate identified an opportunity to bring the site forward as a light industrial development, supported by early engagement with Manchester City Council. The brief was to create a commercially viable industrial scheme that could sit comfortably within an office-led environment, promote employment, and unlock a long-stalled site, while responding sensitively to neighbouring office buildings along Aviator Way and residential properties to the rear.

We delivered the designs for a light industrial scheme that carefully balances operational efficiency with a strong contextual response. The development is arranged around a courtyard layout, with a high-quality frontage facing Aviator Way. Within the courtyard, we positioned servicing and loading areas away from public view, helping the scheme read as part of the wider office park rather than a conventional industrial estate.

To deliver this office-like character in the outward-facing elevation, we embraced the use of enhanced façade treatments, increased glazing, and carefully selected materials like rainscreen cladding. To the rear, building placement and massing help protect neighbouring homes from noise and activity. The scheme also targets BREEAM Excellent in line with Manchester City Council requirements.

Together, the designs we provided for the scheme deliver a sustainable and commercially robust development that will stand the test of time.

We anticipate a start on site late summer 2026.