UKFast has agreed a deal with Manchester City Council to acquire the 120,000 sq ft plot of land opposite its Campus HQ in Birley Fields, Hulme.
The expansion onto the land, which is currently unused, is set to create 300 new jobs during the first phase alone, according to company CEO and founder Lawrence Jones.
The current UKFast Campus incorporates two identical 40,000 sq ft buildings – 1 and 3 Archway – and is also home to the FastForward tech incubator, which is managed by Tech Manchester.
FastForward, a not-for-profit initiative funded by UKFast to support tech start-ups, already provides a base for 15 start-up and scale-up businesses.
Phase 1 of the expansion will include an office building of at least 30,000 sq ft, with surface car parking. Phase 2 will bring additional office accommodation and a multi-storey car park. An underground data centre may be included within the basement of one or both phases.
Jones said: “From the moment I walked into the first Archway building I saw a much bigger picture, and knew we needed the building opposite and the land over the road.
“This is the first step in an incredibly exciting and ambitious move to support our development, but also to help the wider tech community.
“We’re investing to ensure the future development of our workforce and to support Manchester’s fast-growing economy. Across the FastForward incubator, UKFast and our associated businesses we’re set to support the creation of 300 long-term, sustainable job opportunities during the first phase alone.”
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, added: “This expansion is important news. UKFast is an innovative company with a strong sense of social responsibility, helping Manchester’s people gain digital skills and access opportunities.
“Not only will this create hundreds of new jobs in a wide range of roles but it also reinforces the company’s commitment to the city. This is the final piece in the jigsaw of the Birley Fields development and will make a major contribution to the ongoing regeneration of Hulme and the surrounding area.”
The deal is subject to confirmation by the Council’s Executive.
