Bowmer + Kirkland has secured an £82m contract to deliver Manchester Metropolitan University’s new science and engineering buildings
Construction will begin on the new home for Manchester Metropolitan University’s science and engineering buildings and the refurbishment of its existing John Dalton complex in January 2021.
Preparation of the construction site will be taking place this December.
The first phase of the project will see temporary hoardings erected around John Dalton West in early January, as the site is prepared for demolition and sewer diversion works get underway.
The refurbishment will also begin on the third floor of John Dalton Tower in January.
Once complete, the new building will bring significant benefits to the faculty and wider university, providing greatly enhanced facilities for students.
High-tech ‘Super-lab’
The construction will create new facilities for research and lab spaces, deliver enhanced STEM education in collaborative working spaces, bring together different departments into a high-tech ‘super-lab’, deliver world-class modern facilities to support the university’s global ambitions and local partnerships, and enhance students’ learning.
Dr David Lambrick, deputy pro-vice-chancellor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, said: “I am delighted that building work for the new home of the faculty starts soon.
“When planning this project, we sought to create a diverse and technically advanced space that will help us to become a world-class Faculty of Science and Engineering.
“Our aim has been to shape space that will help to deliver more collaborative and impactful research, to grow our international community by attracting quality partners and academic talent from around the world, and to create a step-change in STEM education as a whole.
“This project has been many years in the making, and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed.”
Estates masterplan investment programme
The new building and refurbished spaces were designed by architects BDP, following consultation with the faculty’s staff and students. The project will also provide opportunities for students to work with the industry partners and gain hands-on work experience.
Construction and refurbishment works are part of the university’s ambitious Estates Masterplan Investment Programme which is investing £378.8m to transform its campus.
