Mecanoo appointed on £200m engineering campus
The University of Manchester has named Netherlands-based Mecanoo Architecten as lead designer and architect for the £200m Manchester engineering campus development on Oxford Road and Upper Brook Street.
The development will see the relocation of the Schools of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Materials and Mechanical Aerospace and Civil Engineering, and as well as several key Research Institutes, Foundation Studies, and the majority of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Faculty's leadership and Professional Support Services.
Work on the Manchester engineering campus development incorporates new build and some refurbished accommodation including the grade two-listed Oddfellows Hall.
Mecanoo will be supported by a team including Penoyre & Prasad, AECOM, Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture and Buro Happold. Arup has been appointed as civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineer.
Construction is expected to start in 2015 and due for completion in 2019.
Francine Houben, creative director of Mecanoo, said: "We look forward to working with the University of Manchester to develop a facility that promotes modern, world leading teaching, learning and research. Planning will focus on creating a gateway between the city centre of Manchester and the University campus and increasing the accessibility of the campus for the local community."
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.
