Manchester digital media hub The Sharp Project has been handed £6.3million in funding by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The money will be used to help turn the former Sharp electronics warehouse in east Manchester into a £16.5million digital content production complex that will provide a range of sound stages, office and production space.

Urban regeneration company New East Manchester is currently converting the warehouse in Newton Heath.

Funding of £3.3million from the NWDA and £3million from ERDF will complete the overhaul and equip the building for its new use.

Completion of works is expected during Autumn 2010.

NWDA chief executive Steven Broomhead said:  “Our intention is to support the establishment of a world class digital and content production centre, complement the development of MediaCityUK, increase new businesses and contribute to the regeneration of East Manchester.”

Funding from NWDA/ ERDF is expected to create 13,000 sq m of digital business space, assist 85 digital businesses and create 550 jobs in the digital sector. The project will also support a recruitment programme which provides training and job opportunities for local people.

The building complex provides approximately 200,000 square feet of office and production accommodation.

Stephen Timms MP, the Minister for Digital Britain, said: “This Government wants to build a world-class digital knowledge economy for the UK and it is projects like Sharp which will make this vision a reality. I welcome this investment in the Manchester’s digital industry which will bring wide business and economic benefits across the North West.” 

When complete, the Sharp Project will offer:

- 1,400 m2 (15,000 ft2) of office space for use by established digital media companies.

- A studio and design offices block with catering, reception and social facilities, together with approximately 3,500 m2 (38,000 ft2) of production space.

- A Central Warehouse, incorporating up to 2,900 m2 (31,000 ft2) of office/wardrobe/make-up/production space as well as a music studio and a green screen studio.

-A further 5,200m2 (56,000 ft2) of set and other storage space, plus additional production/office units in the second warehouse.

- Fast broadband connectivity and high capacity power supply that this sector needs in order to successfully do business.

Sue Woodward, New East Manchester’sp director for The Sharp Project said: “The level of interest has already been incredible and we’re attracting enquiries from companies regionally, nationally and internationally.”

The aspiration is for The Sharp Project to become the UK centre for the digital animation and visualisation industry.