Design unveiled for University of Manchester’s new Henry Royce institute

12.12.16

Arcadis, together with its project team members; Arup, Laing O’Rourke, NBBJ and Ramboll have revealed designs for the Henry Royce Institute at The University of Manchester. The £235m project will be the UK’s leading centre for advanced materials research and commercialisation.

Located at the heart of the University of Manchester’s Engineering Campus, the 16,000sqm building will house world-leading materials scientists, state-of-the-art equipment and collaborative space for industrial engagement. It will enable the UK to grow its world-leading research and innovation base in advanced materials science and technology.

The building is expected to cost £150m and is expected to open in 2019. At 46 metres high, the Institute is expected to be the tallest building on campus and a prominent new landmark on the Manchester skyline.

Laing O’Rourke’s head of UK construction, Liam Cummins said: “It is fantastic news that we are continuing our partnership with the University of Manchester by delivering a state of the art facility that will carry so much significance for Manchester and Britain’s global research position. We’re looking forward to getting on site and delivering a high quality building that supports innovation and excellence.”


Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester said: “The Henry Royce Institute building will be a stunning addition to The University of Manchester campus, and will become a focal point for the UK’s research and commercialisation of advanced materials.”


Diana Hampson, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University, said:

”This is one of our major capital projects and forms an important part of our vision for the campus and will benefit from its location, close to the National Graphene Institute (NGI) and Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC).”


The design of the Henry Royce Institute building will promote ‘science on show’ with laboratories revealing their complex workings, alongside spaces for visitor engagement and imaginative displays of research material and products.

Work on the Henry Royce Institute building will begin early in the New Year and is expected to be fully operational by late 2019.

Project and Cost Management is provided by Arcadis, Civil and Structural Engineering by Ramboll UK, ARUP is the Building Services Engineer, Gilllespies are the Landscape Architect and the Main Contractor is Laing O’Rourke.

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