University of Manchester NatWest

University of Manchester NatWest

Oxford Road, Manchester

RECOM Solutions are currently providing Project Management services for the University of Manchester to develop detailed designs and manage their scheme with the Christabel Pankhurst Institution. This includes the design and construction of a new collaborative and flexible workspace linking to the existing building. As the new build is to be constructed along the party wall, shared with Kro Bar, RECOM are continually liaising with the landlord (Jupiter) and tenant (Kro Bar) to ensure a suitable compromise is reached with the client (The University of Manchester).
The space is to be used as flexible office space, initially an open plan workspace was provided on every floor, however after careful review the Christabel Pankhurst Institute requested conferencing and exhibition space be provided on the ground floor. This space will be available to the public. RECOM Solutions assisted the University of Manchester with cost and design comparisons detailing the security, ventilation and capacity changes.

What we did differently

RECOM Solutions, in collaboration with a design team, formulated two designs proposals for the project to be presented to the client – The University of Manchester. Design proposal one included the full restoration of the Grade II listed Former NatWest Bank as well as a four-storey new build extension to the rear. Design proposal two limited the project to
the new build phase only, alongside a scheme aimed at preventing the continued dilapidation of the Grade II listed building. Both designs were progressed to RIBA Stage 3 however during the development of RIBA Stage 4 only Design Two was progressed, due to budget constraints.
The University of Manchester additionally have a target to have zero carbon emissions, this was a large factor when deciding the heating and ventilation system to install for the new build. RECOM Solutions procured the costs for three options: gas boilers, hybrid system or ASHP. The final decision was to instruct the hybrid system, the building will run from the ASHP with the gas boiler acting as a backup source. This assisted the client toward their target whilst keeping the project within budget.

Key features of the project:
■ Full external envelope upgrade works including window and roof repairs and façade restoration to the Grade 2 listed building.
■ Internal strip out of all services, to be replaced with a temporary system until the full restoration is undertaken.
■ Construction of a four-storey office block linking to the existing building which has conferencing and exhibition space on the ground floor.
■ Party wall negotiations, taking into consideration planning objections which may come from the neighbouring buildings.