Faculty of Science and Engineering – new building and refurbishment

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to creating a truly modern campus in the heart of Manchester. The development of our estate supports our academic ambition and reinforces the centrality of the University to the city and our community.

We are creating a new state-of-the-art building for our Faculty of Science and Engineering, which will provide additional teaching, research and landscaped green spaces. We will also be refurbishing some of the existing spaces within the John Dalton buildings.

What has happened so far?

To make way for the new building, John Dalton West was demolished and the new building is nearing completion in this area. The work to remodel the faculty buildings, which will provide exceptional learning and research facilities, is progressing with some spaces already in use. Other structures, used for research and teaching, such as greenhouses, have been relocated and are fully operational. 

The target programme is to complete the new building and remodelling works to the existing buildings by early 2024. 

Upcoming work

Chester Street will be closed from 6 – 7 April to allow for the cabins to be removed from the site. The street will reopen from 6am on 8 April and diversions will be clearly signposted. 

What can I expect to see? 

Over the coming months as the external works are set to be completed, large equipment will start to be removed from site. This includes the gradual removal of the site cabins over a two-week period. A mobile crane will be brought to site to enable their removal.    

Once the cabins have been removed, the areas of concrete within the site boundary along Chester Street will be removed. This work may create some noise and we anticipate these works to take approximately one week.   

The public realm (e.g. new and refurbished green spaces) around the new Dalton building will be developed following the removal of the cabins and will be completed in line with the opening in early 2024. 

In line with their commitment to local growth, employment and skills, B+K have ensured that over 50% of their staff on the project live locally. They are also working with local education providers including Manchester College to provide opportunities for young people. We recognise that the construction project may have an impact on our closest neighbours. 

Disruption for local residents and businesses will be minimised by a number of actions taken by B+K. 

• Traffic marshals will control all vehicle movement associated with the project. Delivery times to the site will be staggered via an online booking system.
• A temporary hardstanding area has been created within the site to minimise mud and dust transfer onto Chester Street. 
• All staff on site will also receive regular briefings on expectations of behaviour in line with B+K’s commitment to you as neighbours. 
• The hoardings around the site have been extended and a community notice board displays the latest information.