Sister
Putting nature first with SLA and Layer.studio
The SISTER regeneration area sits in a prime position in Manchester’s city centre: nestled east of the Oxford Road Corridor and west of Piccadilly station. With heaps of potential, this site is being primed to become a green, biodiverse and community-focused neighbourhood delivering over 10,000 jobs and 1,500 new homes.
what is THE sister MASTERPLAN?
SISTER will transform The University of Manchester’s former North campus, once home to the historic University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), into a vibrant new city centre neighbourhood.
Former UMIST Campus (Image: Sister Manchester)
Working with SLA we created temporary tree and plant nurseries that could be easily adapted, replanted or repurposed as the development progresses.
SISTER Masterplan (Image: Sister Manchester)
bringing forward PLOT H
SISTER presented a unique challenge and opportunity: to create a green, biodiverse, and community-focused space within a large-scale development, all while respecting and celebrating the site's rich heritage. We collaborated with the globally renowned SLA in producing their first Manchester masterplan and scheme. We embraced a nature-led design approach to PLOT H, recognising the crucial role green infrastructure plays in creating thriving urban environments.
PLOT H Princess Square visualisation.
PLOT H Princess Square visualisation.
PLOT H Princess Square visualisation.
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Creating a breathing ecosystem in a post-industrial city
The scale of the development demanded a bold vision. We sought to integrate nature within the built environment, creating a network of green spaces that connect the development to the wider city. The masterplan envisioned not just a collection of buildings, but a living, breathing ecosystem so we prioritised green corridors, created diverse habitats, and maximised opportunities for people to connect with nature.
Plot H (alongside PLOT C) functions like bookends to the SISTER masterplan area and will be key entrance points for pedestrians. Our input has made sure these spaces will function as green stepping stones into the wider regeneration area. Whether working at the strategic level, through our overseeing role for Bruntwood, or at the plot-specific scale, we’re helping deliver key elements of SISTER’s vision.