Northern England’s economy has been transforming from its industrial roots to a more diversified business base. To attract investment and revitalise the region, several development projects are helping to add office space while renewing lands once used by industry for manufacturing and other activities.

Liverpool Waters

Liverpool Waters is a 30-year regeneration project that will transform the city’s northern docks and include infrastructure improvements. It is within the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone, which also includes the peel International Trade Centre and the Wirral Waters redevelopment project. As part of the zone, businesses locating on the sprawling Liverpool Waters site will benefit from potential business rate discounts for five years. The new quarter in central Liverpool is also part of the £75-billion Atlantic Gateway, a massive project will create a 40-mile strategic corridor from the Port of Liverpool to Manchester.

Once completed in 2024-25, Liverpool Waters will create up to 7,500 temporary jobs and an estimated 33,000 permanent jobs according to the UK government’s Regeneration Investment Organisation (RIO). With a value estimated at £5.5 billion, the site covers an area of 60 hectares and will feature a blend of commercial, hotel, leisure and mixed use spaces as well as residential development. The large scale project’s master plan calls for more than 3.4 million square feet of business space spread across 88 plots. Buildings will range from 21,500 square feet and allow for bespoke designs. The site will complement development at Princes Dock, which already offers more than 225,000 square feet of office space.

The Northgate Scheme

The Northgate Scheme in nearby Chester is another mixed use development project that will bring new commercial space to the region. The development is part of Chester’s One City Plan, a development strategy that sets out a long-term vision for the city. With a gross development value of more than £350 million, the project will play an important role in driving the city’s revitalisation efforts. It will also help boost the local economy thanks to new flexible retail units that will help attract new businesses to Chester. The Northgate Scheme will complement other improvements to the city’s infrastructure, including the development of a new Central Business Quarter adjacent to Chester’s rail station. Northgate will be an important new base for businesses in retail and commercial sectors. Plans call for an anchor department store and five major store units. The site will also accommodate up to 50 shop units and 20 food and beverage units once it is complete in 2019-20. Plans also include the construction of the new Chester Market Hall, a multiplex cinema, and a cultural centre with an 800-seat theatre, studio spaces, conference facilities and a library. Just steps from Chester Cathedral and Abbey Square, Northgate will also incorporate the Chester’s Town Hall and includes the existing Crowne Plaza hotel.

Media City UK

In Manchester, Media City UK will develop Salford Quays on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal. The 200-acre development has already seen more than £650 million in development over 36 acres. The second phase of the project will see an addition 110 acres developed, including an estimated 2.3 million square feet of office space. There will also be new residential units, a hotel, up to 87,000 square feet in retail space, and 27,000 square feet in leisure space. In total, four phases of development will span over 20 years.

Media City UK is already one of Europe’s largest media hubs and supports more than 45,000 jobs according to the RIO. One of the site’s most important tenants is the BBC, which invested approximately £200 million on facilities at the waterfront site. ITV also relocated its northern productions, including the set of Coronation Street. Media City is a dynamic destination for businesses in digital and creative industries. Options range from flexible office space solutions for freelancer and small businesses to larger offices for expanding businesses. The site includes WorkNaton, a co-working facility with flexible workspace that is home to more than 200 businesses. Tomorrow is designed for digital and creative businesses, while Orega in the Blue Tower provides serviced office solutions. Other options include more traditional office spaces at The Victoria and The Alexandria to unique workspaces at The Greenhouse. There is also lab and studio services at the landing and production facilities and flexible offices in The Pie Factory. For more information go to: http://mediacityuk.co.uk/

The Barnsley Town Centre Regeneration Project

The Barnsley Town Centre Regeneration Project continues recent investments to transform the once industrial community into a thriving hub for diverse sectors. Previous development in Barnsley’s town centre included a digital media centre with incubator space for start-up businesses in the high tech sector and a new transport interchange. New retail, office and residential development as part of the next phase of the Barnsley Town Centre Regeneration Project will also continue the town’s efforts to renew and revamp.

Once complete, the additional development will add landscaped public spaces including a refurbished square that will be able to accommodate market stalls and public events. There will also be upgrades to the existing Metropolitan Centre as well as a renovation and expansion of the town’s market hall. A new shopping boulevard will extend Lambra Road and add commercial and leisure opportunities. The project will also include a state-of-the-art central library and modern car parking facilities.

The Stephenson Quarter Project

In Newcastle, the Stephenson Quarter project will see the development of 10 acres in the city centre. The site was once the home of the Robert Stephenson and Co. Locomotive Works and many listed buildings on the site will be restored into office spaces. The site offers unrivalled connections with much of the city centre’s attractions within a few minutes’ walk. It is also close to the A167 Central Motorway, which links with the A1. The site is also adjacent to Newcastle’s central train station and is within a five minute walk of Newcastle Quayside.

Once complete, the Stephenson Quarter will create 2,000 jobs and add £100 million each year to the regional economy. In addition to the new Crowne Plaza Newcastle hotel that was completed in 2015, Stephenson Quarter features 35,000 square feet in new office spaces. Additional development will add an estimated 270,000 square feet in offices and 40,000 square feet in retail and leisure space.

Further Reading on Regeneration Projects throughout the UK:

Regeneration Projects: Central England

Regeneration Projects: London

Regeneration Projects: Southern England