Member Article

"Connectivity is key" for Manchester growth

Connectivity is vital to development in Manchester, according to speakers at the MIPIM property conference in Cannes, France.

The Manchester at MIPIM Partnership has said the city needs ambitious, integrated digital and transport infrastructure strategies, along with international collaboration, in order to achieve its potential.

Key speakers in Cannes on Wednesday (13th March) will include Karen Campbell from Manchester Airport Group and Dan Lejerskar, co-founder and chair of EON Reality, which has a new venture with Manchester’s digital incubator, ‘Sharp Project.’

Ms Campbell, Manchester Airport’s city director, will speak about the Group’s expansion plans including a new business ‘hub’ and the Airport City Enterprise Zone.

She commented: “Manchester is clear in its vision that innovation and world class connectivity are both key to becoming a major European city for business.

“Airport City will meet demand from global businesses that require a workplace in the UK, which is within walking distance of access to a global network of air services.

“Rather than replicating what already exists, Airport City is an evolution of the traditional ‘out of town’ business locations and will complement the offering of the city centre by providing a new highly-accessible business hub.

“[This will be] centred on a major international airport, excellent ground transport links to the wider region and integration with adjacent development initiatives, including MediPark at University Hospital South Manchester and the regeneration of Wythenshawe town centre.”

Mr Lejerskar commented on why Californian-based EON Reality has chosen Manchester for its European headquarters.

He said: “We have set up our European headquarter in Manchester to make it the European center for creation of 3D content.

“The city shares our vision to grow the technology sector and change the face of education through 3D virtual learning technology.

“We believe these technology solutions will quickly spread throughout the world, enabling organizations and educational institutions to more effectively visually communicate, collaborate and accelerate knowledge transfer.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .