The Sharp Project in East Manchester, a hub for digital and creative companies, has signed up the first new tenants, for the third and final phase of the 200,000 sq ft digital content complex.
The new companies moving into the ‘Gold’ Phase 3 section of the building include Playface, a sports software and digital media solutions company and Fac365 who provide crew, facilities and equipment for the broadcast industry.
The 30,000 sq ft space, which is located at the heart of the building, has a mezzanine level with light and airy offices and a glazed roof suitable for office or studio use. In total there are 28 units that range from 500 sq ft through to 1300 sq ft. This phase has a large communal space in the centre, where a cafe will open later this year, creating a social and event space with wireless connectivity so tenants can get together over a coffee and network or hold meetings with clients.
New tenant, Mark Chadwick, Director of Playface said: “The Sharp Project is the ideal location for us. It’s close to the city centre but also right at the heart of the Eastlands development area and world leading sports facilities.
Mike Hayes, Managing Director of fac365 said: “We chose the Sharp Project for the vibrant atmosphere and sense of community spirit it will bring.”
Sue Woodward, Director for The Sharp Project said: “This part of the building adds to the range of working environments we can offer new tenants and existing ones who want to expand into a larger space. It’s great that we also have companies who started off in shipping containers, and now want to move into bigger units as they grow. Our vision, to create our own eco-system where start-ups can flourish within a vibrant business community, is becoming a reality, which is fantastic. The Sharp Project has always been more than just a building and always will be.”
This not-for-profit initiative is led by urban regeneration company, New East Manchester on behalf of site owners Manchester City Council. Eddie Smith, chief executive of New East Manchester added: “Phase 3 is at the heart of the building and will become an important hub for tenants to meet, network and socialise. With the glass roof, this part of the original building has been completely transformed into a modern, attractive space to work. By providing the right environment, Manchester will remain a key player in this growing sector, bringing jobs and investment to the city.”
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All that was missing was a ringmaster as a circus atmosphere blasted its way into every nook and node of THE SHARP PROJECT on Wednesday night. Coloured light sprayed the darkened walls; the spectrum of musical moods poured forth from invisible speakers; and over 450 people immersed themselves in it all while tenants threw open their doors and invited them in to their workplaces. The occasion? The formal opening of THE SHARP PROJECT – a celebration of what has been achieved and a media-spangled vision of what is to come.
