DNA sequence inspires MSP’s Heart of the Park

WORK has started on-site to construct the first new building on Manchester Science Partnership’s central Corridor campus since the completion of its new masterplan by the BDP Manchester Studio last year.
 
Also designed by BDP, the 70,000sq ft centre for science and technology businesses  – branded Heart of the Park – is set within the centre of the site of Manchester’s knowledge quarter and is the first phase of a strategy to triple the current provision of 350,000sq ft over the next decade.
 
The new-build will support collaboration between scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors and was triggered by a surge in demand from innovation-led businesses involved in the science and technology sectors who wanted to locate alongside MSP’s University and clinical partners.
 
Inspired by the DNA sequence, BDP architect director Gary Wilde has created a varied ‘band width’ appearance to the north and south elevations, created by horizontal linear windows which punctuate the elevations’ brick-clad ‘blocks’.
 
The proposed building provides workspace accommodation over four floors of 16,146sq ft, each of which are accessed from the central atrium space.
 
The floor plates are flexible and customers have the ability to take individual floors, half floors or smaller suites, all of which are accessible from the two stair cores and central lift core.
 
Mr Wilde, also BDP workplace team leader in Manchester, said: “The Heart of the Park will see an intensification of the existing assets at MSP within the science and technology sectors.
 
“The building is conceived as a solid ‘brick clad’ block sitting atop a lightweight transparent plinth. The upper block of accommodation is then split into two halves – like the two halves of a shell which are pulled apart to reveal the gateway entrances into the building and providing views into the spaces beyond.”
 
Thomas Renn, associate commercial director at Manchester Science Partnerships said: “With works now commencing on-site, it is an incredibly exciting time for the team and customers at MSP. Our aim for the ‘Heart of the Park’ is to maximise opportunities to connect the MSP community, supporting engagement and collaboration. We see the design of the building, complimented with the right amenities, embedded technology and our programme of business support and social events as key to achieving this.”
 
Bounded by existing Williams House and Kilburn House, the building will act as a gateway to the site from the university campus and Oxford Road.
 
The ground floor plan will accommodate a variety of exciting ancillary spaces, including a café and restaurant facilities as well as large and small format meeting rooms and networking spaces each of which are accessed from the central atrium.