Charlotte Fernández
UKIMEA Press Office,Leeds
The University of Manchester has appointed Arup to work on the new Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD) - the largest single estates project ever undertaken by the University.
The MECD will sit at the heart of the university campus, providing a rich, open and collaborative learning environment and will play a significant role in achieving the University’s goal of becoming one of the top 25 research universities in the world.
Arup will provide mechanical, electrical, civil, structural and public health engineering services, and will work alongside Dutch architect Mecanoo and project managers Buro Four.
The development will feature primarily new build, as well as limited refurbished accommodation, for four individual schools within the Engineering and Physical Sciences Faculty.
A total of 71,000m2 of university space will be analysed, rationalised and re-designed to create the new development, which will house several thousand students and staff. It will also see the relocation of the Schools of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials and Mechanical Aerospace and Civil Engineering.
The development will also house several key research institutes, the Foundation Studies, and the majority of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Faculty's leadership and Professional Support Services.
“The Manchester Engineering Campus Development is a significant project for the University, the City, but also Arup, located just 10 minutes from our office. The quality of graduates from The University of Manchester has always been very high and a number of our staff previously studied at the University. Our teams are enormously proud to now have the opportunity to return to the University and help shape the future campus for our next generations of engineering and science students. Keith Rudd, Manchester office leader at Arup
The new campus will also house a variety of advanced technology and equipment and will expand upon the University’s existing world class research facilities.
Arup has already started work on vibration survey work on site to inform the building design and suitable locations for vibration sensitive equipment. This work is being undertaken by Arup’s Rob Harrison, a former student at The University of Manchester, and Lara Debenham, a current Materials Science and Engineering student at the University who is currently completing a year’s placement with the firm.
“Witnessing our students flourish in successful careers, working for a global engineering firm such as Arup is very rewarding. One of the University’s core aims is student experience and we’re delighted to see our past and present students contributing to the MECD project. Professor Colin Bailey, Vice-President of The University of Manchester and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Over a period of ten years, The University of Manchester has committed to invest £1bn in the construction and refurbishment of new teaching and research buildings, student facilities and major improvements to the public realm. The Manchester engineering campus development is part of the first £700m phase of the campus masterplan. Construction on the MECD is expected to start in 2015 and due for completion in 2019.