- Client: Manchester Metropolitan University
- Sector: Education
- Value: £60m
- Size: 23,000m²
- Location: North West
- Services: Pre-Construction, Construction Support, McAlpine Design Group
- Completion date: 2014
Our projects
Sustainability meets style at new campus
Staff and equipment were re-located to the new campus within 99 weeks of construction beginning.
Our client's requirement was straight-forward: a new, sustainable campus providing world-class learning and teaching facilities.
Once construction work had started on the landmark six-storey campus building, energy centre and public areas - we were asked to manage the move into the building as well.
With facilities ranging from simulation suites and science labs to lecture theatres and a sports hall, the move would need meticulous planning and co-ordination.
With an ambitious 99-week deadline, the latest construction technologies were required to complete the building ready for staff and equipment to move in.
We finished works right on schedule, using BIM to reduce costs and improve collaboration. Thanks to our structured Soft Landings approach, transition for staff and equipment was smooth and stress-free.
Summary
Sustainable design
A striking solar ‘veil’ gives the building façade both form and function. Part of a package of measures aimed to help the University to meet its zero water, waste and carbon aspirations.
Digital construction
The building’s fully prefabricated concrete frame was erected in just 23 weeks. Some 40% quicker than a conventional frame.
Learning quarter
The new campus caters for more than 6,000 students and 500 academics, researchers and technical staff.
Campus showcase
The university saw an increase in applicants for the faculties after we provided 3D simulations of the new campus for its website.
Engineering expertise
We completed works quickly and efficiently through optimising design and construction using Building Information Modelling (BIM). Collaborating with designers, subcontractors and our client, it enabled us to:
- Save time, costs and materials through maximising off-site prefabrication of structure and services and reducing waste.
- Make sure the design met client needs.
- Provide increased programme certainty.
- Improve health and safety.
- Achieve the high quality finishes required.
- Highlight and manage potential risks.
- Develop 3D simulations giving staff and students a feel for the new building.
Soft landings
Buying new and transferring existing equipment from two campuses was no mean feat. Added to this, staff from the two faculties hadn’t shared buildings before. With classes due six weeks after completion, moving staff and equipment needed meticulous planning.
Our Soft Landings approach was critical, allowing for early involvement with those who defined and shaped the brief.
Focused on improving operational readiness, our Soft Landings team worked with university 'Move Champions' to develop a detailed countdown programme. The building was passed over to our client's FM teams with comprehensive training provided to iron out any issues and avoid any disruption to the University's core business.