Genetics is changing Manchester property.

A new genomics campus will create more than 1,500 high-value jobs over the next decade, adding more than £150M to the region’s economy, developers said.

Manchester Science Partnerships, the Bruntwood-led scitech developer, has started construction work for the 92K SF Citylabs 2.0 scheme, already pre-let to global molecular diagnostics company QIAGEN. Together with Citylabs 3.0, this will form the 220K SF nucleus of the new genomics campus.

Citylabs 2.0 is the first phase of a £60M extension of MSP's central Manchester campus. It is a joint venture with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, and is due for completion by the end of 2020.

The block will become QIAGEN's European Hub for Diagnostics Development and builds on existing QIAGEN floorspace at the nearby Manchester Science Park. The company will become the anchor industrial partner in the global genomics campus, where it will connect in with a diverse community of businesses including those working in medtech, clinical trials and data management. QIAGEN will gain access to the MFT’s specialist clinical resources and expertise from researchers, clinicians and procurement teams.

Sir Roert McAlpine has been appointed main contractor on the QIAGEN build.

“This is an important milestone in our journey to create a world-leading precision medicine campus in Manchester, strengthening the region’s standing as a global centre of excellence in life sciences and diagnostics, bringing real health benefits to millions of people, and supporting the creation of thousands of high-quality jobs," Manchester Science Partnerships Managing Director Tom Renn said.

MSP is a public-private-academic partnership including Bruntwood SciTech, Manchester City Council, the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Cheshire East Council and Salford City Council focussed on growing the city’s science and technology sector.