By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters

THE RENEWED plans have been updated to avoid any protected greenbelt land for which the original had been rejected. The plans envisage a scheme totalling some 411,000 ft2 on the site of the former Ferranti electronics factory next to Atlas Business Park.

In its consultation documents Aviva wrote: “The proposals for Atlas Business Park were originally consulted on in October 2022. The subsequent planning application was refused by Manchester Council in November 2023 for reasons relating to Green Belt and concerns regarding Manchester Airport Safeguarding. Since then, Aviva Investors have undertaken a comprehensive review of the scheme and revised aspects which were previously deemed reasons for refusal and have sought to address them.

It added: “The proposed development utilises this established but underutilised employment location to deliver high-quality modern employment space to support local economic growth in this sustainable location.

The proposals will create new, high-quality jobs across a range of skill levels, supporting local people into employment, as well as delivering significant investment and economic growth to Manchester.

In addition to creating local employment opportunities, supporting jobs on-site once operational, the development will make a c. £44m Gross Value Added (GVA) contribution to the Greater Manchester economy each year.

It is anticipated that the planning application will be submitted in September 2026. Once planning is secured Aviva is looking to progress the detailed design and contractor selection.

“We would anticipate that construction works will start within 12 months of planning permission being granted.