The Sharp Project releases Phase 3

The Sharp Project, located in Newton Heath, East Manchester has released 30,000 sq ft of space for rent in the final phase of the 200,000 sq ft digital content complex, due to be completed by the end of March, just before the new Metrolink tram line opens.  The space, which is located at the heart of the building, has a mezzanine level with light and airy offices, glazed roofs suitable for office or studio use in 28 units from 500 sq ft through to 1300 sq ft.

A large courtyard in the centre will create a social space with catering and wireless connectivity where people can get together over a coffee, network and hold events for tenants and the wider creative community.

Sue Woodward OBE, Director for The Sharp Project said: “This new phase which is flooded with natural light adds to the range of environments we can offer potential new tenants.  Companies however big or small can take advantage of all the facilities on site including the social space, bar and lobby. What’s emerging is a community for digital production specialists. We’re providing the space, power and connectivity to allow all our businesses to flourish under one roof.”

This not-for-profit initiative is led by urban regeneration company, New East Manchester on behalf of site owners Manchester City Council.  Steve Thorncroft, New East Manchester’s deputy chief executive added: “The release of Phase 3 is another major milestone in the construction of The Sharp Project. We’re helping to deliver a unique facility for creative companies who specialise in digital content and therefore require superfast broadband round the clock to stay ahead of the game. By providing the right environment, Manchester will remain a key player in this growing sector, bringing jobs and investment to the city.”

Jeff Hook, project leader for Bramall Construction, who are undertaking the work said: ”There is nothing in the UK that rivals The Sharp Project’s mix of space and digital infrastructure and that makes this a fascinating and challenging project to work on. As a leading regeneration specialist, we are delighted to have played a key role in helping to transform this key site in East Manchester.”
The former Sharp warehouse is currently undergoing a £16.5 million refurbishment funded by Manchester City Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund. Led by urban regeneration company New East Manchester, Bramall Construction is undertaking the construction work on the refurbished building which has been designed by PRP Architects.

Phase 1 was completed in April 2010. The building is located on Thorp Road, off Oldham Road and next to Central Park’s Gateway transport interchange, which includes a Metrolink station, due to open in this spring.

Notes to editors
New East Manchester (NEM) is an Urban Regeneration Company – a partnership between Manchester City Council, the national housing and regeneration agency Homes & Communities Agency and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).  It is NEM’s role to turn the Regeneration Framework into action, secure the required public and private funding, lead on specific major development projects and co-ordinate regeneration and renewal initiatives in the area.
The Sharp Project is in a refurbished Sharp Electronics warehouse off Oldham Road in Newton Heath, East Manchester. It is a new type of digital content production complex which creates a unique hub for digital and creative businesses. This not-for-profit initiative, led by urban regeneration company, New East Manchester on behalf of site owners Manchester City Council, provides a new environment for Manchester’s raw, young start-ups and established professionals in the digital and creative sector. The building offers 200,000 sq ft of flexible and affordable workspace, sound stages, and social interactive space in an innovative environment with affordable fast connectivity starting at 1GB. It is open 24/7 with links to global partners able to deliver a ‘chase the sun’ Virtual Super Studio, 24 hour continuous production circuit for international projects. Visit www.thesharpproject.co.uk for more details.

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is making a real difference to people and businesses in the Northwest. With €755 million to invest between 2007 and 2013, ERDF is enhancing the competitiveness of the region’s economy by supporting growth in enterprise
and employment.

ERDF in the Northwest is managed by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).
For further information please visit www.erdfnw.co.uk