Who: The University of Manchester

When: 2022

What:

RECOM acted as project managers and project consultants for the University of Manchester to develop detailed designs and manage their scheme within the Christabel Pankhurst Institution. This included the design and construction of a new collaborative and flexible workspace linking to the existing building (The former Natwest Building on Oxford Road).

As the new build was to be constructed along the party wall, shared with KRO Bar, RECOM continuously liaised with the landlord (Jupiter) and tenant (Kro Bar) to ensure a suitable compromise was reached with the University.

The space was initial designed as flexible office space with an open plan workspace on every floor, however after careful review the Christabel Pankhurst Institute requested conferencing and exhibition space to be provided on the ground floor. This space is available to the public and RECOM assisted with cost and design comparisons detailing the security, ventilation, and capacity changes.

RECOM Solutions, in collaboration with a design team, formulated two design proposals for the project to be presented to the client- The University of Manchester. Design proposal one included the complete 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.

Additionally, the University of Manchester has a target to have zero carbon emissions, which was a large factor when deciding the heating and ventilation system to install for the new build. RECOM procured the costs for three options: gas boilers, hybrid systems, 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:

• Full external envelope upgrade works including window and roof repairs and façade restoration to the Grade II 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.
• 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 from neighbouring buildings.