The Sharp Project

[tomegranate]

http://www.creativetimes.co.uk/artic...-sharp-project

Creative collaboration at The Sharp Project

Posted by: Creative Times on October 10, 2011 09:04
Design
Film & TV
Technology
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The Sharp Project is Manchester’s new home for the creative industries, a smart, sustainable environment with superfast broadband connectivity available to all tenants. But being well connected is about much more than broadband, as this tale of life on ‘The Street’ illustrates.

Since it resided on a drawing board, The Sharp Project has made its purpose clear: to be a hub for small creative digital operations and the industries that assist them.

Much is made of the potential for a tenant to pick different talents from within the building to fill a need for a particular assignment, and to a degree it happens; indeed it’s almost inevitable with such breadth and depth available. But when Zemap, a video production tenant, needed some holes filling pronto, they went canvassing – and got a result.

Collaboration with a host of independents is normal practice for film production crews. Even the major broadcasters regularly hire in work for specialist tasks – it’s the bread and butter of most of our tenants. But when you are the production company and you’re a one or two-man operation, everyone, from the lighting crew to the extras, needs to be drafted in. That’s not a problem for Zemap; it’s their business model.

The open, glass-fronted nature of containers at The Sharp Project means there’s a certain welcoming ethos inherent in them. It helps make faces familiar.
The company is owned and run by commercial director Michael Wray and commercial producer Hannah Loughlin, who met while working for Manchester’s Channel M. It was during their time at the channel, which was based in Urbis (but has since downsized and moved to Salford), that Michael and Hannah filled their contacts books with the names that they could trust to produce more or less any kind of video work.

Exposure to their fellow tenants at The Sharp Project was therefore relatively low-key: they were on nodding and chatting terms with some, and others had been approached for advice on specific queries they that had come across. This situation seems to be pretty normal throughout the Project.

In January 2011 an agency approached them with an offer of work, which Zemap agreed to do. They were unable to make much progress on it though, as the client experienced a few technical problems and the job was put on hold. But with just one week to go until the unmissable deadline, the client got the go-ahead and instructed Zemap to pick up where they had left off.

In one week they had to assemble a complete crew, write the script, find actors, a main presenter and extras, do the filming and complete the post-production. Their first few calls to their regular contacts were as unsuccessful as they suspected they would be, mainly because of the short notice. They had to give a yea or nea pretty quickly, so Michael delivered a Captain Oates-style speech to Hannah and walked out of the container.

The open, glass-fronted nature of containers lining The Street means there’s a certain welcoming ethos inherent in them. It helps make faces familiar, and so it wasn’t strange to have Michael knocking on the door and talking business straight away.

His first port of call was ABF Productions. They not only found him a location scout who secured two suburban locations and a railway arch, they also put him onto a sound crew, a hair and make-up artist and a superb SFX company, whose work was integral to the film.

TV production company Barcode Media also do set design; they were brought into the project to do this, and they also found the lighting company Zemap used. Michael knew that Flyka, located just across The Street, used Steadicam operators, and they sorted him out there and then. Flyka’s Tony mentioned his own stills photography service and another wish-list entry was crossed out. He then journeyed to Lemon Casting, who fixed him up with the adult extras. And finally, a huge studio space was needed to act as an office in the film. A word with The Sharp Project’s John Mariner sorted that part out and it was filmed in one of the studios.

Two hours after leaving the container he returned. “I’ve just got everyone I need,” he announced to Hannah as he picked up the phone. And he hadn’t even left the building. Admittedly, had notice not been so short, Zemap would probably have done what they and most businesses usually do: rely on their trusted contacts. But under pressure, The Sharp Project delivered. The professionals plying their trade from the units here are by their nature small, nimble outfits who aren’t easily overwhelmed by high pressure jobs. But Michael is convinced that the whole ethos here, of crystallising a cross section of Manchester’s digital creative talent in one place, played its part.

“Without being in The Sharp Project, there would have been no face-to-face contact that day,” he says. “But it’s a really important aspect. In my business it’s crucial to rely on your own contacts and word of mouth recommendations count for a lot.”

The face-to-face meetings, and being able to give and receive quick ad hoc demos, made this job possible. “Really, if I hadn’t been here, it probably would have meant the cancellation of the work.”

[Pablo Diablo]

I work in The Sharp Project

[flange]

Made in Newton Heath: Television jobs boost as ITV signs up to make shows at Sharp Project

Richard Wheatstone

December 07, 2011

Move over Pinewood, Elstree and Ealing – the success of a new TV studio is bringing Manchester into sharp focus.

A third major network has now signed up to make shows at the Sharp Project in Newton Heath, and bosses say the news will bring hundreds of jobs.

ITV starts filming three-part drama Love Life at the studios, off Oldham Road, next month.

Created by Lark Rise To Candleford writer Bill Gallagher, ITV says the Manchester-set drama is a ‘tender and funny story about grown-ups who refuse to grow up’.

It follows news that Channel 4’s Fresh Meat and Sky One drama Mount Pleasant are both returning to Newton Heath to film second series. And with sets for Love Life currently being built, it means the stages at the £16.5m studios will be running at capacity for the first time since opening in July.

Project director Sue Woodward believes the new productions, along with around 45 businesses moving into the facility, will create a jobs boost across the entire community.

She said: "The opportunities extend well beyond the media industry. Weeks after Fresh Meat was announced we had a team of local carpenters in here building the set.

"At its peak Fresh Meat had around 150 people working on it and we’d expect similar numbers with future productions.

"On top of that each new business coming in will employ up to 10 people – and that will grow if they are successful."

The 250,000 sq ft centre is on target to be self-sufficient by April next year, having initially been funded by Manchester City Council, the European Regional Development Fund and the North West Development Agency.

Woodward said: "It was amazing that you had two brand-new hit TV shows being broadcast back-to-back that were both made in Newton Heath.

"To say we only opened four months ago, it’s not a bad start. This is my third Christmas here and it’s the first one I’m not wearing a hard hat in a Portakabin, so we’ve come a long way very quickly."

She said one of the main aims of the project was to encourage local youngsters to consider jobs in television.

She said: "We want to show them that you don't have to go to London to access the best opportunities, you just need to roll down Oldham Road."

Woodward is no stranger to east Manchester, having first worked in the area as creative director of the 2002 Commonwealth games.

Having witnessed the impact of the games, the former Granada managing director believes further regeneration opportunities offered by The Sharp Project, the Eastlands ‘sports village’ and the arrival of the Metrolink in March next year will see the area act as a beacon of hope in harsh economic times.

She said: "It’s hard to overestimate just how big a boost the Metrolink will be to us and other local businesses. We’ll be two stops and seven minutes from Manchester city centre. We’ll be completely accessible.

"We need to work alongside other hubs such as London and MediaCity and the fact that people will be able to reach us from London in little more than two hours is very exciting.

"It’s been a revolutionary 10 years for east Manchester. The changes I’ve witnessed have been remarkable."

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereven...-sharp-project

[jrb]

How Do.

Manchester City Council is advertising for a property management company for The Sharp Project to take over from Rose Marley Management as its interim role comes to an end.

“The Sharp Project is seeking a permanent management company to look after facilities management and IT provision starting from 1 April 2012. The tender process is being handled by Manchester City Council and the closing date for expressions of interest is January 16th," said a spokesperson.

The contract will run for 18 months and according to the tender document, the council is looking for “an innovative and customer-facing management organisation to provide a strategic and operational management function.”

Marley’s team was appointed in May last year on an interim basis as construction work at the site came to an end and their role has been to provide “strategic management and development of networks and the provision of services.” The contract is scheduled to end on 31 March.

To take part in the tender process for Manchester, suppliers must register first on 'Manchester City Council's e-tendering Portal' at www.thechest.nwce.gov.uk.

[bertyboy]

Originally Posted by CDX

you've got to love stats like this,

4 milliwatts?? That's nothing!

[flange]

Sharp Project Two considered by City Council

Wednesday 08 February 2012

Manchester City Council is considering investing in a Sharp Project 2 as the current Sharp Project “is full.”

Council Leader, Sir Richard Leese made the comments during this morning’s Manchester Annual Review.

Back in December, 50 tenants were on site at the east Manchester production complex, meaning it was at 75% capacity and today, director, Sue Woodward, told How-Do that expansion has to be considered:

“The Sharp Project has proved to be such a success that we are having to look at future capacity for new businesses in the creative, digital and drama production sectors.

“What we don't want, is to be in a position where we are having to turn new business away. It is important as part of Manchester's investment in the sector to always be thinking ahead of the market. There is a great deal of activity underway looking at what next."


The annual review is organised by city centre management agency, CityCo and delegates heard that Manchester was Europe’s second largest media hub thanks to both the Sharp Project and MediaCityUK.

However, job creation was the main theme for keynote speakers, who highlighted the Oxford Road corridor, which includes New Broadcasting House (the former home of the BBC), as having the greatest potential for employment. Up to 20,000 jobs could be created there over the next 10 years.

http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-m...20208100956490

[bertyboy]

Wow. Soon filled up!

[flange]

Month of events to mark Sharp Project's 'campus' launch

Monday 05 March 2012

The Sharp Project is promoting the launch of its 'Campus' facility which a string of events.

The Campus, which opens at the start of April, is the final part of the east Manchester media facility to be completed.

For about £100 a year people can become Sharp Project members and use an open plan area for hot desking and networking.

The month-long events programme kicks off on March 7 with the MPA World Class Series.

Sharp Project director Sue Woodward will share her thoughts on how, "Manchester’s creative community can deliver the vital digital agenda".

On March 9 Tom Kneen, a business development manager at US software group Cisco, will speak about the firm's British Innovation Gateway (BIG) Awards which seek to recognise the UK's best high-tech innovation and offer a £100,000 cash prize.

There will be a 'creative and digital summit' on March 21 and an 'ask the experts' workshop on March 30. BBC Learning, CityCo and Deliotte are also all hosting events.

Rose Marley, interim general manager, said: "The aim of this series of events is to give practitioners from the creative and digital sector a taste of what it will be like to be a member of The Sharp Project Campus.

"We had originally planned a ‘Fresher’s week’ to launch The Sharp Project Campus but so many organisations wanted to collaborate with us that we quickly realised we had enough activity to extend this to last the whole month.”

http://www.how-do.co.uk/north-west-m...20305100956699

http://www.thesharpproject.co.uk/eve...ct-march-2012/

[jrb]

PNW.

Sharp Project launches membership package

11 Apr 2012, 11:00


The Sharp Project, Manchester City Council's digital industry complex, is offering paid access to facilities for non-tenants.

The membership fee starts at £80/year and allows creative entrepreneurs, students and freelancers access to communal facilities such as café, free wi-fi, lockers and discounted room hire.

The scheme is aimed at offering occasional visitors a handy base and encouraging "networking with Sharp Projects tenants...in a relaxed, social environment".

SME and corporate membership is also available with up to ten people signed in at any one time. Day passes at £15 are available for people who are visiting Manchester just for the day or those wishing to try the membership. The day pass gives access to The Campus from 9am to 5pm and access to any events taking place in The Campus that day. They will also be able to use the wi-fi and daily lockers for free.

The Campus is a 5,000 sq ft social and events space at the centre of the 'Gold' zone, which contains office units over two levels.

Sue Woodward, director of the Sharp Project, said: "This is the final piece in our jigsaw. We are very keen to give creative individuals who are just starting out, the ability to benefit from our very own ecosystem, where people meet, companies collaborate and businesses flourish. Networking is at the heart of our ethos. The Campus opens to the wider community in Greater Manchester and beyond."

Rose Marley, manager of the Sharp Project, added: "Over 40 people have pre-registered for membership but we will limit the capacity in the first instance to allow quality networks to grow. We feel it is important to open our doors to a wider section of the creative and digital industry and share with them what has been created for this important sector. Not everyone needs office space when they are starting out or when they already have an office based elsewhere in the city region, so The Campus membership provides an affordable and flexible alternative venue to work from."

[jrb]

BusinessDesk.com this morning.

A GLOBAL technology company plans to establish its European headquarters at The Sharp Project, creating 240 jobs, while plans to expand the digital and production complex in Manchester have also been revealed.

The interactive 3D technology company, whose name is yet to be revealed, plans to establish its European base at One Central Park in Central Park, which will be acquired by Manchester City Council, creating at least 240 jobs.

Meanwhile, proposals to expand The Sharp Project’s existing building to attract more start-up digital firms are outlined in a report to be considered by Manchester City Council’s executive on Wednesday 12 September.

They include the creation of a new high-tech green-screen facility - The Sharp Project has said it is in discussions with a UK firm that require a green screen facility and has the potential to expand, creating 150 new jobs.

There are also plans to develop the council-owned former Fujitsu tower in West Gorton into a drama production hub.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council said: “The Sharp Project has been phenomenally successful and we have created a significant digital production hub that can support the development of the city’s digital and production sector and put us firmly on the global map.

“The potential for further growth is huge and in order to tap into this, we recognise that we need to expand the facilities further to grow local Manchester businesses and also attract major international companies in this sector to Manchester.”

Sue Woodward OBE, director of The Sharp Project, said: “Manchester aims to be a global digital city with a labour pool of companies creating and innovating new business and new business models, to grow the economy, create careers and compete on a wider stage.

“The Sharp Project is the first space created to begin to deliver this objective. It’s fantastic that Manchester City Council share our vision and recognise it’s a worthy investment. Manchester City Council created The Sharp Project which is unique as it’s led by the sector for the sector. This is the secret of its success.”

The Sharp Project is 75% full and had created 287 full time equivalent jobs within the tenancies of the building since its completion in June 2011. It is home to over 50 digital entrepreneurs and production companies specialising in digital content production, digital media and TV and film production.

The £16.5m development, based in a 200,000 sq ft refurbished warehouse previously occupied by electronics company Sharp, is owned by Manchester City Council.

[jrb]

Place North West.

Council to approve Sharp Project 2.0

10 Sep 2012, 08:54



Proposals to buy One Central Park as an expansion of the Sharp Project and to install a major 3D technology company's European HQ with 240 staff are among ambitious plans to be discussed by Manchester City Council's executive this week.

One Central Park is a 100,000 sq ft office building completed in 2005 in Northampton Road, as part of the business park developed by Ask and Goodman. Central Park in east Manchester is next door to the Sharp Project, which completed in 2011.

One Central Park's freehold is owned by the Homes & Communities Agency. The council owns a 250-year lease on the building but the effective landlord is One Central Park Limited, a special vehicle controlled by Manchester College, Manchester University, Salford University, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester Science Parks. The council will buy the building from the special vehicle landlord. No sum was given.

The council's executive report said the acquisition 'will be underpinned by a letting to a global interactive 3D technology company who will establish their European headquarters in Manchester as part of their expansion plans and entry into the European market.' The identity of the inward investor was not disclosed and referred to only as Project E.

OCP will become part of the Sharp Project estate. The council's investment is part of a bold set of proposals aimed at establishing a 'digital content ecosystem' in the city, contained in a 17-page report due to go to council executive on Wednesday. Also proposed are:
■£1.5m improvements on first Sharp Project building in Oldham Road, to attract and retain tenants
■Convert computer halls at former Fujitsu building in Wenlock Way, West Gorton to drama stages and associated production offices
■20,000 sq ft lease close to being agreed with date centre operator on a 15-year lease on remaining warehouse space at Sharp Project
■Create a 'green screen' for producing computerised special effects for film, discussions with UK film company ongoing for five-year lease. Manchester currently does not have a green screen. Operator could create 150 jobs

The executive report, written by chief executive Sir Howard Bernstein, calls for the proposals to be approve urgently.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of the council, said: "The Sharp Project has been phenomenally successful and we have created a significant digital production hub that can support the development of the city's digital and production sector and put us firmly on the global map. The potential for further growth is huge and in order to tap into this, we recognise that we need to expand the facilities further to grow local Manchester businesses and also attract major international companies in this sector to Manchester."

Sue Woodward, director of the Sharp Project, said: "Manchester aims to be a global digital city with a labour pool of companies creating and innovating new business and new business models, to grow the economy, create careers and compete on a wider stage. The Sharp Project is the first space created to begin to deliver this objective. It's fantastic that Manchester City Council share our vision and recognise it's a worthy investment. Manchester City Council created the Sharp Project which is unique as it's led by the sector for the sector. This is the secret of its success."

The 200,000 sq ft Sharp Project is 75% full, home to 50 companies, and created 287 full-time equivalent jobs by the end of its first full year of operation.

The £16.5m development is owned by Manchester City Council, which provided funding along with the North West Development Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

[jrb]

The Drum.

The Sharp Project set for expansion as it claims 'major technology company' is ready to set up base

The Sharp Project set for expansion as it claims 'major technology

Manchester digital and production complex, The Sharp Project has announced plans for a major expansion, as it claims that a ‘global technology company’ is also set to take up space.

The expansion is expected to mean the creation of hundreds of new jobs within the city, as a ‘major global interactive 3D technology company’ looks to establish its base at One Central Park, which will be acquired by Manchester City Council.

This is expected to lead to the creation of at least 240 new jobs, while the expansion of the existing building, has led to The Sharp Project holding discussions with ‘a UK firm with a global client base’ that will need the use of green screen facilities, and potentially create another 150 new jobs.

The Fujitsu tower will also be developed into a drama production hub.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council said: “The Sharp Project has been phenomenally successful and we have created a significant digital production hub that can support the development of the City’s digital and production sector and put us firmly on the global map. The potential for further growth is huge and in order to tap into this, we recognise that we need to expand the facilities further to grow local Manchester businesses and also attract major international companies in this sector to Manchester.”

Sue Woodward OBE, Director of The Sharp Project, added: “Manchester aims to be a global digital city with a labour pool of companies creating and innovating new business and new business models, to grow the economy, create careers and compete on a wider stage. The Sharp Project is the first space created to begin to deliver this objective. It’s fantastic that Manchester City Council share our vision and recognise it’s a worthy investment. Manchester City Council created The Sharp Project which is unique as it’s led by the sector for the sector. This is the secret of its success.”

The announcement comes as speculation continues to mount over the potential 20 companies involved in ‘Tomorrow’ or ‘Project Digital’ which is expected to see global technology companies set up bases within Manchester in the coming months. Names speculated include Apple and Google.

The Drum has been informed that the choice to set up at The Sharpe Project by the 'major technology company, is outwith Project Digital however.
.
Read more at http://www.thedrum.com/news/2012/09/...R4VtPwkkGHl.99

[jrb]

The Sharp project website has been updated.

The Sharp Project expansion plans revealed

Posted on September 10, 2012 by tomc

The Sharp Project

Plans for a major expansion to The Sharp Project, which will see hundreds of new jobs created and a cutting-edge global technology company establish its European headquarters there, have been unveiled.

The proposals build on the success of The Sharp Project, the city’s digital and production complex, and further Manchester’s ambition of becoming a global digital city by 2020.

The proposals, outlined in a report to be considered by Manchester City Council’s Executive on 12 September, comprise:

1. A major global interactive 3D technology company will establish its European base at One Central Park in Central Park, which will be acquired by Manchester City Council, creating at least 240 jobs.
2. A significant expansion of The Sharp Project’s existing building to attract more start-up digital firms. Alongside this will be the creation of a new hi-tech green-screen facility. The Sharp Project is in discussions with a UK firm with a global client base that require a green screen facility and have the potential to expand creating 150 new jobs.
3. The development of the City Council owned former Fujitsu tower in West Gorton into a drama production hub.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council said: “The Sharp Project has been phenomenally successful and we have created a significant digital production hub that can support the development of the City’s digital and production sector and put us firmly on the global map. The potential for further growth is huge and in order to tap into this, we recognise that we need to expand the facilities further to grow local Manchester businesses and also attract major international companies in this sector to Manchester.”

Sue Woodward OBE, Director of The Sharp Project and Manchester’s Creative Media Champion said: “Manchester aims to be a global digital city with a labour pool of companies creating and innovating new business and new business models, to grow the economy, create careers and compete on a wider stage. The Sharp Project is the first space created to begin to deliver this objective. It’s fantastic that Manchester City Council share our vision and recognise it’s a worthy investment. Manchester City Council created The Sharp Project which is unique as it’s led by the sector for the sector. This is the secret of its success.”

Highlighting its success to date, the report states that The Sharp Project is 75 per cent full and had created 287 full time equivalent jobs within the tenancies of the building at the end of its full year of operation.

[Green Squircle]

No question that a major inward investment like this is good for the Manchester economy. But I just can’t help but feel there is an unwritten story of failure hidden within these press releases.

Thinking back to the original goals and aspirations for One Central Park. It was about fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within the city, about encouraging and supporting indigenous start-up companies to grow, creating wealth and jobs for generation to come. While at the same time equipping the relatively deprived populations of East Manchester with the necessary skills to take advantage of opportunities these new companies would create. As I recall there was an American business school offering an international MBA which included a semester at OCP, where students and work with the start-up and significant involvement from our local university both for spin out and advice.

I just can’t help but feel that on some level our city fathers have abandoned this original vision of encouraging our own Manchester based corporate giants of tomorrow. Instead signing over the space inside OCP for the quick win of another branch office of some already established multinational.

Don’t get me wrong, this sounds like a positive development, but is this in fact an admission that the original incubation strategy has failed. Maybe its something to do with the closure of NWDA who were always big proponents (and financial backers) of incubation. Or perhaps its burnt fingers following the collapse of Renovo (for many years the poster child of the North West incubation scheme) which have discouraged the continuation of the high risk incubation strategy in the city.
One thing I do know is that one of the major tenants until very recently of the Salford Innovation Forum was the NHS, who were renting the space as an administrative and data processing/analysis centre, which doesn’t strike me as a particularly great use of the space, so perhaps we have a simple case of oversupply of incubation space in the area. Or maybe it’s just a realisation that the big government and entrepreneurial business will never sit comfortably along side one another. Nevertheless it would be interesting to see an evaluation of the original One Central Square business case in light of this latest development.

[nitindb]

Originally Posted by Green Squircle

I just can’t help but feel that on some level our city fathers have abandoned this original vision of encouraging our own Manchester based corporate giants of tomorrow. Instead signing over the space inside OCP for the quick win of another branch office of some already established multinational.

Well, one of the major benefits of FDI of this kind is the potential for transfer of technology and skills. It will be local people that will be employed and by working for global players, armed with all the knowledge and skills that will be gained, the ones with entrepreneurial spirit would look to starting their own technology businesses, while others with ambition might work for smaller local companies, where they can add value. Its a win-win situation as far as I can see. We can't get enough of this kind of investment!

I understand what you mean but during tough times, there's only so much you can do to encourage local start-ups to grow and invest. If they aren't doing it, lets get the foreign ones in!

[jaymmu]

Originally Posted by Green Squircle

No question that a major inward investment like this is good for the Manchester economy. But I just can’t help but feel there is an unwritten story of failure hidden within these press releases.

Thinking back to the original goals and aspirations for One Central Park. It was about fostering an entrepreneurial spirit within the city, about encouraging and supporting indigenous start-up companies to grow, creating wealth and jobs for generation to come. While at the same time equipping the relatively deprived populations of East Manchester with the necessary skills to take advantage of opportunities these new companies would create. As I recall there was an American business school offering an international MBA which included a semester at OCP, where students and work with the start-up and significant involvement from our local university both for spin out and advice.

I just can’t help but feel that on some level our city fathers have abandoned this original vision of encouraging our own Manchester based corporate giants of tomorrow. Instead signing over the space inside OCP for the quick win of another branch office of some already established multinational.

Don’t get me wrong, this sounds like a positive development, but is this in fact an admission that the original incubation strategy has failed. Maybe its something to do with the closure of NWDA who were always big proponents (and financial backers) of incubation. Or perhaps its burnt fingers following the collapse of Renovo (for many years the poster child of the North West incubation scheme) which have discouraged the continuation of the high risk incubation strategy in the city.
One thing I do know is that one of the major tenants until very recently of the Salford Innovation Forum was the NHS, who were renting the space as an administrative and data processing/analysis centre, which doesn’t strike me as a particularly great use of the space, so perhaps we have a simple case of oversupply of incubation space in the area. Or maybe it’s just a realisation that the big government and entrepreneurial business will never sit comfortably along side one another. Nevertheless it would be interesting to see an evaluation of the original One Central Square business case in light of this latest development.

One Central Park is part of Manchester Science Parks isn't it? Perhaps the recent sale of 50% of MSP to Bruntwood has led them to think more commercially about their space, hence the 'sale' of OCP to the council for this project.

[jrb]

Eexc report, Sharp project.

It's copy and pasted incorrectly Sorry, can't be arsed sorting it out.

The final part of the business plan is close to be realised with negotiations at
an advanced stage on a 15 year lease for a data centre operator on the
remaining warehouse space at The Sharp Project – initially 20,000 square feet
but with an option to take further space in the building. In addition, the
project’s reputation and success has now led to a private third party
Telecommunications company installing, at their own cost, an additional 46
pairs of hi-speed fibre, bringing unlimited and unparalleled connectivity to the
building. Taken all together the realisation of these opportunities will now take
The Sharp Project into profit in 2013/2014 in its first full year of trading.

The Sharp Project management team is in discussion with a UK based
company who require a green screen facility for a minimum lease of 5 years,
allowing capital to be repaid over this period. This business has developed a
world leading approach to streaming video to deliver “just in time” software
training and is currently delivering its training services to over 100,000 people
in 105 different locations in 33 countries using 11 languages. This company
now needs to access facilities that enable them to industrialise the scale of the operation and to do so requires a new facilities incorporating green screen
studios and associated media asset management services. Such a bespoke facility does not exist in Manchester.

The company, with its international client base, has the opportunity to expand rapidly with an additional 150 new employees next year if such a facility was available. Such employment growth would require them to take office space at The Sharp Project. In addition it should be noted that in order to expand their employment base the company want to work in partnerships with universityand FE colleges from graduate level to pre-entry level as well as develop a supply stream of digital industries targeted apprenticeships.

The Former Fujitsu Works Complex, Wenlock Way, West Gorton
The success of The Sharp Project as a new UK Drama hub has created
further demand for sound stages which we are not able to accommodate. As a result the City Region is turning away work. In addition, the Chancellor’s 2012 Budget announcement relating to the tax incentive programme for CorporationTax relief for “high end” television industries (i.e. Drama) is expected to increase the volume of overseas production looking for space in the UK. TheUK, with facilities at Pinewood and elsewhere, is full for at least the next 2 years. Manchester has identified space to accommodate the current UK indigenous production demand for drama stages and seeks to fit this out to also target an overseas customer base. There is an immediate requirement for space as the North West has insufficient facilities.

At the February 2012 meeting of the Executive were informed that, in addition
to developing the former Fujitsu works complex on Wenlock Way as a key
back-office location for City Council services, further work was underway to
determine if a significant proportion of the remaining space within
the complex could build on the opportunities being stimulated by The Sharp
Project. This due diligence work is still underway and is expected to be
completed shortly. The focus of this work has been to determine if there is an
opportunity to convert the computer halls at the former Fujitsu building at
Wenlock Way to drama stages and associated production offices, dressing
rooms, prop storage in order to create a new drama hub in the city. Subject to there being a robust business case, and there being support from the local
community for the redevelopment of the complex for such a purpose, it is
anticipated that the Executive will receive a further detailed report on this
proposal in the Autumn 2012.

Project E

In the Spring of 2012 The Sharp Project management team were contacted by a global interactive 3D Technology Company who were seeking to establish a European Headquarters. The profile of The Sharp Project within North Manchester was key to this company seeking to examine Manchester as a possible location.

Part B of this report sets out proposals to support this global interactive 3D
Technology Company (referred to as Project E) to establish a European
Research and Development Interactive Digital Centre (IDC) in Manchester.
This will be a new European centre of excellence in interactive digital media
and it will offer interactive and digital media technology solutions, training and
professional services. “Project E” have identified the One Central Park building
on Northampton Road, Central Park as their preferred location for their
European HQ facility from which they will establish their IDC facility but also
deliver their training requirements.

The IDC will provide access to state of the art interactive 3D technologies
including virtual showroom, training room, project room, development lab, and
3-D classroom infrastructure. The new centre will include training facilities
which will be used as the company recruits its workforce with 38 jobs in year
one, 98 jobs in year 2 and 243 jobs in year 3.

The IDC will run annual training programmes and work experience through its
virtual reality design programme for coding and other digital skills and expects
to offer employment to half of those trained. The company would typically train two groups of 50 over the course of a year, and this activity will help not only to service the company’s needs but also help to address the digital skills shortage in the City.

In its initial years the core activity of the new HQ facility is the development of 3D educational tools, and “Project E” developers and modelers will work with a number of schools in Greater Manchester to develop new educational products. The company will develop, refine, market and sell a range of new interactive tools for the UK and also the European educational market.

The company will work with an established training provider to ensure that the
planned training programmes for coding skills and “Project E” staff training to
provide transferable skills with a recognized qualification. The “Project E” staff
training progamme will allow staff to transfer to major customers, including
large companies and educational organizations. Increasing the skills levels of
a large, more skilled and flexible workforce is a strategic objective for the
company.http://www.manchester.gov.uk/egov_do...arpProject.pdf

[jrb]

MEN.

Technology firm ANS has unveiled plans to build an £8m data centre in Manchester, creating 100 jobs.

The 20,000 sq ft facility will be at The Sharp Project, the digital media hub in Newton Heath.

ANS, which has its headquarters on Manchester Science Parks, has agreed a 15-year lease and has an option to take a further 20,000 sq ft in the future.

The firm, which earlier this month posted record revenues and profits, will invest £8m in the data centre over the next three years.

Construction will be carried out by Manchester-based Sudlows and will start in March 2013.

Once complete, ANS customers will be able to rent space in the data centre.

Scott Fletcher, ANS chairman and founder, said: “It’s been a fantastic year at ANS and this is a significant milestone in our history.”

*A NEW hub for the technology sector is to open in Manchester in November.

TechHub's first UK venture outside London will be a workspace for innovative technology start-ups, located over two floors at Carver’s Warehouse in Piccadilly Basin.

TechHub co-founder and chief executive Elizabeth Varley said: “Right now, Manchester is buzzing, and we see it as an excellent addition to the growing TechHub network.”

There are already TechHubs in London and Riga, Latvia.

Richard Lewis, property director at Leeds-based Town Centre Securities, which owns Carver's Warehouse, said: “To secure the first UK TechHub outside London is recognition of Manchester’s ambition to be the UK’s digital city and a major player in the global digital technology sector by 2020.”

[jrb]

I'm guessing the new school will be located within the Sharp Project or near it?

Manchester 'digital tsar' unveils coding school vision

Manchester City Council's 'digital tsar' has announced plans to develop a coding school in the city to develop and retain the next generation of technology entrepreneurs.

Speaking at Insider's Business of Media conference Sara Tomkins, assistant chief executive for communications, customer and ICT, told the audience it was important for Manchester to address the lack of high-level software talent.

"I don't have the access to enough of the skills to deliver what I need in this area," she said.

"And it's also difficult for the city to retain that talent. A coding school would help to develop the skill base and give businesses what they need."

The school is being developed in partnership with an as yet unnamed business, which is planning to locate its European headquarters in Manchester.

Part of the plan includes the development of a skills offer for the city, training 100 students a year to develop accredited training in the field of computer coding.

The name of the private sector partner will be announced in October and the school is expected to be up and running in January.

Tomkins also called on the local business community to become an active part in the future of the city and its digital skills requirements.

"Businesses are not knocking down my door, but they should be," she added.

"It would help to develop a collective lobbying voice for the city and businesses need to be noisy about what they need."

The event attracted 120 people to the Lowry Centre in Salford Quays and debated key issues for the North West media and digital industries.

Manchester City Council has revealed a ten-point plan to become one of the world's foremost digital cities by 2020.

Senior figures from the BBC, ITV and Westminster City Council were among those to speak at the conference, which was broken down into five sections entitled Vision; MediaCity; Showcasing the North West; Challenges; and An Audience With.

The event was sponsored by Cobbetts, Deloitte, Soapworks and Telecity Group.
http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/...63-/index.html

[alr1970]

EON Reality locates European HQ in Manchester creating 240 jobs