News | Tuesday, 15th December 2020
Construction work to begin on new Science and Engineering buildings in January
Faculty of Science and Engineering's new home is set to be completed in 2023
Construction will begin on the new home for Manchester Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and the refurbishment of its existing John Dalton complex in January 2021.
The build is the largest construction project the University has ever undertaken, with work on the new building and refurbishment taking place simultaneously on the site on Chester Street.
Preparation of the construction site will be taking place this December, with works starting on site in January 2021. The University intends to sign a contract with experienced contractor Bowmer + Kirkland to deliver the project.
The first phase 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.
Meanwhile 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.
'Super-lab'
The new 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.”
In parallel to the building works, the faculty is continuing to develop its overarching vision to grow research, transform teaching delivery and build partnerships through its Academic Vision strategic project. The new Science and Engineering academic vision will support the University’s Research and Education strategies by producing high quality research and student experiences.
Estates masterplan
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 £378.8 million to transform its campus.
Managed by the University's Capital Development team, the masterplan includes the award-winning Arts and Humanities building, School of Digital Arts (SODA), Birley Residences Phase 2, and the refurbishment of 99 Oxford Road, which will be an intrinsic part of the new Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport. The refurbishment of the Ormond building and 6 Great Marlborough Street have also been completed.
