MMU Institute of Sport, Manchester
Overview
The project is a partial reconstruction and extension of an existing building to convert it into a sport science facility, including accommodating specialist equipment.
The building is a 1960’s existing structure, formerly home to the University’s Student Union into a state of the art sport science facility that includes accommodating specialist equipment.
Due to the location of the site, reasonable effort was made to manage the access on the side road and minimise the impact of deliveries.
Measures were put into place to protect and enhance the environment. There are features of the design which demonstrate the environmental merits of adapting and reusing materials from the original building rather than it going to waste.
Key Challenges
Throughout the duration of the project, one of the biggest challenges on the project was commencing and completion of the project during the Covid-19 pandemic Restrictions had to be put into place to ensure the safety of the workforce, the material shortages, extended lead time and cost increases, it was difficult but despite this, the project was still delivered on time, to budget and to the high standard required by the client.
Throughout this scheme, there were a number of risk items. These risks mainly associated with the scheme being a large scale refurbishment project located in Manchester City Centre only feet away from Mancunian Way, one of the busiest roads in the Manchester area. Careful logistics and planning enabled us to create smooth running of the project.
Added Value
As a company, we like to try and promote a positive impact on the local areas as much as possible. Prior to the project commencing, we set our KPI targets for the project such as number of local workforce, number of work experience and job placements and any local charity works. Being limited due to Covid-19, we offered virtual site tours for local schools.
During the construction phase, we worked to reduce the environmental impact of the project by:
- Reduction of vehicle impact
- Reduction of waste produced
- Reducing and monitoring energy and water
All people directly affected by the works were notified and kept informed and shown courtesy and respect. Regular newsletters provided updates