Production Kitchens in Manchester
Greater Manchester
Growing production kitchen market centred on Trafford Park and Salford, with competitive pricing and excellent motorway access.
Pricing by District
| District | Price Range | Size Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trafford Park | £991-4,333/mo | 770+ sq ft | — |
| Salford | £1,500-3,500/mo | Managed spaces | — |
| Stockport | £750-1,200/mo | Micro units | — |
Production Kitchens in Manchester
Manchester's production kitchen market is growing rapidly, centred on Trafford Park — Europe's largest industrial estate — and the managed spaces of Salford. With around 18 active facilities, the city offers significantly lower entry costs than London while maintaining excellent motorway access via the M60, M62, and M6.
Monthly costs range from £750 for micro-units in Stockport to £4,333 for larger Trafford Park spaces. A typical 500 sq ft unit costs approximately £2,390/mo all-in — around 37% less than an equivalent London unit. Vacancy rates sit at 13.6%, giving tenants more negotiating power than in tighter southern markets.
The city's large student population creates strong delivery demand, making Manchester attractive for meal prep and dark kitchen operators. The Oya commission model (12.5-15% of sales for reduced base rent) has also emerged as an alternative to traditional fixed-rent leases.
Key Operators & Spaces
Manchester has 18+ production kitchen facilities across the city. Here are the main operators:
| Operator | Location | Price Range | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encore Kitchens | Trafford Park | £991-£4,333/mo | 770+ sq ft | Blank shell and equipped options |
| Oya Managed | Bury, Reddish | £1,600/mo | 1,330 sq ft | Commission model: 12.5-15% of sales |
| Salford Managed Spaces | Salford | £1,500-£3,500/mo | Managed dark kitchens | 24/7 access, delivery-optimised |
| Stockport Micro-Kitchens | Stockport | £750-£1,200/mo | 196+ sq ft | Plus £200/mo managed fee |
Transport & Logistics
- Trafford Park: Direct M60 access, dedicated freight routes, Europe's largest industrial estate
- Salford/City Centre: Adjacent to delivery hotspots, high student population density
- Stockport: South Manchester access, M60 junction, lower-cost micro-units
- M62 corridor: Direct links to Leeds, Liverpool, and Yorkshire for regional distribution
Compliance & Regulations
- Trafford Park blank-shell units require significant capex for food-grade compliance — budget £15,000-£30,000 for fit-out
- Manchester EHO inspection times are typically faster than London at 4-8 weeks
- Higher vacancy rates (13.6%) create more flexibility for negotiating lease terms and fit-out contributions
- Same planning use class rules as England: Class E(g)(iii) for most production, B2 for heavier operations
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a production kitchen cost in Manchester?
- Base rents range from £750/mo for micro-units in Stockport to £4,333/mo for large Trafford Park spaces. A typical 500 sq ft equipped unit costs approximately £2,390/mo total including utilities, service charges, and business rates — about 37% less than London.
- Is Trafford Park good for food production?
- Trafford Park is Manchester's primary food production hub. As Europe's largest industrial estate, it offers excellent motorway access, dedicated freight routes, and a wide range of unit sizes. However, many units are blank-shell B2 spaces requiring significant fit-out investment for food-grade compliance.
- What is the Oya commission model for production kitchens?
- Some Manchester operators offer a reduced base rent in exchange for 12.5-15% commission on your sales. This can lower your fixed costs during early growth stages but becomes more expensive at scale. It's most suitable for businesses still validating their production model.
- Can I find BRC-certified kitchens in Manchester?
- BRC-ready facilities are available in Manchester, primarily in Trafford Park and Salford. The number of pre-certified spaces is smaller than London, so expect longer lead times. SALSA-standard spaces are more widely available across the city.
Find Production Space in Manchester
Our team will match you with vetted production kitchens in Manchester that fit your budget and requirements — within 48 hours.