Built in the late 19th century, the Grade I listed Manchester Town Hall is a focal building of huge importance in the city. Whilst remaining structurally sound, restoration was required to improve access, whilst preserving its heritage and legacy for current and future generations.
MMC was crucial in refurbishing this heritage building – a marriage between past, present and future – modern methods in an old structure, to preserve what is historical, not only for us in the present, but for future generations too. This project demonstrates how this can be done, and done successfully, with MMC the focus from the offset, driven by a forward-thinking client and by the vehicle of collaborative working principles and early engagement.
The works, which are largely invisible to the public, involve primarily removing old or obsolete services and replacing with more appropriate, modern and efficient solutions. As a result, the Town Hall will be more accessible for all, and in line with modern safety standards. The scope of works included removal and replacement of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing services throughout the building, and adding modern facilities including communication links.
Offsite solutions were key to the programme delivery and delivered benefits including increased quality of workmanship in a controlled factory environment, improved health and safety through no hot works on site and reduced labour hours on site.
The project has also heavily focused on social value as part of the team’s commitment. Eight students were hosted from across Manchester, and 75 apprentices were employed across M&E, fire alarm and ductwork disciplines. These apprentices went onto gain a unique insight and exposure to a project which is heavily serviced with offsite manufactured solutions.
Three Winning Facts:
- This project demonstrates how true collaboration via Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)enables goals to be achieved, for the end client, stakeholders, and for the community. Manchester City Council’s vision of this mammoth project will be realised with the crucial help of this Offsite approach – whilst preserving the history of the building.
- Through offsite solutions, 10,722 labour hours (almost 300 operative working weeks) were removed from site, as well as all hot works, and the removal of c.300 deliveries. This reduced operatives and interfaces on site, eased congestion, reduced carbon footprint, and reduced general project and safety risk.
- Organising a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event to engage with local SMEs, to foster early collaboration throughout the supply chain. This included a Project Charter, detailing the team’s commitments, which all signed up to – creating a common goal.
