Laing O’Rourke to restore Manchester ‘jewels’

Laing O'Rourke has been awarded a £90m contract from Manchester City Council to transform the city's Grade II-listed Town Hall complex.

Laing said that the project, to be delivered by 2013, would restore the Central Library and Town Hall Extension, and includes works to transform St Peter's Square. Laing added that it will deliver a world class civic complex, including an integrated customer service centre and improvements to the energy efficiency of the buildings.

Laing O'Rourke's Construction North business was awarded the contract, which the company said was the first to be tendered through the North West Construction Hub High Value Framework.

Andrew Jackson, construction north leader at Laing O'Rourke, said: "Securing this exciting and unique project will enable Laing O'Rourke to build on our solid reputation for delivering landmark projects. It is a complex and challenging project, and one of huge value architecturally, culturally and civically. We look forward to partnering once again with Manchester City Council."

Laing said the twin goals of the project are delivering better council services while preserving and enhancing historic buildings and spaces for future generations.

The buildings were designed by architect Vincent Harris and Laing said they are described by the city council as the jewels in Manchester's crown.