Work completes on £12m Chemistry Building revamp
Henry Brothers Construction has wrapped up the refurbishment of floors four and five of the University of Manchester’s Upper Brook Street facility.
The £12m revamp of the Chemistry Building began last February. Speaking at the time, University of Manchester director of estates Diana Hampson said the project was part of the university’s plans to invest in creating an “inspiring and progressive environment designed for the 21st century”.
The scheme included reorganising the layout of the two floors to create flexible lab space to feature new fume cupboards and fixed benching, dedicated write-up spaces with glazed screens for visibility throughout the lab, modern offices, and break-out areas.
One of the key features of the project was the installation of external ventilation ducts running up the side of the building, which feed into floors four and five.
These ducts were connected to the existing fans in the 1960s-built, seven-storey building.
“We were delighted to have been appointed on our first contract at The University of Manchester, which represented an expansion for Henry Brothers into the North West,” said Ian Taylor, managing director of Henry Brothers Construction.
“The result of this refurbishment scheme on floors four and five of the Chemistry Building, along with work to the level eight plantroom and services, is first class. Researchers will now be working in and enjoying modern laboratories, offices, and break-out areas.”
The University of Manchester project is the latest scheme Henry Brothers has delivered for an educational institution.
The firm recently completed a £30m refurbishment project at the W and S Buildings at Loughborough University.
The design team for the refurb included Gardiner and Theobold as NEC project manager, RLB as quantity surveyor, Halliday Meecham Architects, structural engineers Curtins and EDPI for M&E services, with sub-contractors William Bailey and Electract providing mechanical and electrical services for Henry Brothers.
