Development #1 - St John’s
About St John's
This new, creative district on the former ITV Granada site is providing new jobs and opportunities (especially in the cultural and creative industries) and £1billion of investment.
The masterplan area is being developed by a partnership between Manchester City Council and Allied London. Enterprise City, the commercial area of St John’s, will provide 560,000 sq. ft. of workspace, including new-build, alongside the refurbishment of historic industrial buildings. At the heart of St John’s is The Factory, a new centre for arts and culture.
Key elements of Enterprise City include:
- Old Granada Studios
- Bonded Warehouse
- Water Street Co-Living
- The Factory.
| Apprenticeships | 55 apprentices supported |
|---|---|
| Number of jobs created | 10,100 |
| Council tax revenue | £386,000 |
| Business rates revenue | £6.5million |
| Visitor economy | Attracting 850,000 people a year |
| GDV | £1billion |
| Value of direct investment in the city | The Factory has levered investment of £85million (£78million from the Government and £7million from the Lottery) |
Social value:
- 77 work experience placements
- 40 community activities
- Arts and cultural venue delivered
- 234 residents provided with employability support (traineeships, CV workshops, career talks)
- The Factory Academy
Work placement testimonial:
Akeel has a driving passion to create film that speaks to a wider demographic. He joined a Factory Futures programme in April 2020, which had a focus on the broadcast and film production industry. Akeel successfully completed an Introduction to Digital Media qualification, then gained a work placement with Manchester production company Delaval, which was producing a new BBC sitcom. Akeel now works part-time to fund his own creative projects and has a newly found creative network of contacts developed during his time on the programme. Akeel said: “Having the opportunity to create content, and most importantly to have experience on a film set, helped me open new doors within the industry and brought me closer to what I want to do.”
Construction Employment Testimonials
During the construction phase of The Factory, employment and upskilling opportunities have been made available to Manchester residents, providing important social value. Laing O’Rourke and logistics work contractor Munnelly’s worked with local recruitment brokerage The Works to create new employment and upskilling opportunities for local people. Here are testimonials from some of the individuals that have gained employment on the project:
Joe, who was long-term unemployed, initially came on-site as a temporary cleaner contracted to two weeks of work. During that time, his work ethic was noticed, and when he expressed an interest in pursuing a career within construction, Munnelly’s organised for Joe to work towards his Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which would allow him to train and work on-site. Joe is now a Traffic Marshal at The Factory and has been permanently employed with Munnelly’s for the past year. “I’ve enjoyed working on this site so much. The people around me have helped me get back on my feet and have given me opportunities to progress. I now feel really confident I can work my way to where I want to be on construction sites.”
Olivier initially worked as a temporary cleaner on The Factory’s construction site for over two years through The Works, progressing to secure permanent employment with Munnelly’s. Before becoming unemployed, he ran his own business, which went into administration. “My experience on this site with Laing O’Rourke and Munnelly’s has been so positive, and I’ve been really impressed with the people and support. Working on this site has allowed me to have a full-time job and regular income.”
Mohammed had been out of work for 18 months before he joined Munnelly’s on The Factory construction team as a general labourer, a role he secured through The Works. He has now been in employment for three months, obtained his CSCS card, and has received additional health and safety training organised by the project team. “Having this job has given me a real routine and a good insight into construction. I know I want to work in this field now, and I have a good team around me that can help me progress. I’d like to go on to do an apprenticeship and am being given the support to do so.”
Giash had been working in the catering industry, but due to the pandemic was unemployed for 12 months. Attracted to construction, he secured a permanent position with Munnelly’s and has been working as a general labourer for three months. “The impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry prompted me to think I needed a career change. I have always had an interest in construction, and being on such an amazing site has made me want to stay in this profession. I have certainly enjoyed my time here so far.”