GEIC Tops Out

19.10.17

A special event today marked the topping-out of the newest building in the University of Manchester’s Campus Masterplan. Set to open next year, the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) will see industry-led development of graphene in collaboration with world-leading academics at the University.

1
1
1

Constructed by Laing O’Rourke, the new flagship facility is being delivered via the University of Manchester Partnering Framework. When it completes next year, it will be the first building Laing O’Rourke has delivered via the framework.

Head of UK Building, Liam Cummins said: “The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre is almost 70% complete and the team is fully focussed on the delivery of phase one in May of next year, with phase two then handing over in September.

“Once operational, GEIC will bring together world-leading industry and academic partners focused on developing graphene applications.

As an engineering enterprise committed to innovation in our own delivery, it is rewarding to be both working on exciting new technologies, and as part of a new collaborative procurement model with the University of Manchester.”

“We are proud to be a construction partner within the framework and look forward to handing over a high quality building that will form an integral and exciting part of the University’s Engineering Campus.”

The GEIC will focus on pilot production and characterisation, together with application development in composites, energy, solution formulations and coatings, electronics, and membranes.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester said at the event: “This building, and the work which will take place within it, will give us a huge number and range of opportunities.”

The GEIC will complement the existing National Graphene Institute (NGI) to create a critical mass of graphene expertise made up of scientists, engineers, innovators and industrialists. The GEIC will also stimulate the commercial development of the University’s North Campus, creating a cornerstone for Graphene City.

The GEIC building, designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Vinoly, is 8,400 square metres in size and located on The University of Manchester’s North Campus. It will house pilot production facilities and conduct research into other advanced materials.

WHAT IS GRAPHENE?

Graphene is set to revolutionalise a whole host of technologies, from electronic components, to racing cars, frying pans to mobile phones. The BBC Breakfast crew and BBC Radio 5 Live were on site for the topping out and filed this report: Graphene.