Building a bold new hub for innovation at the University of Manchester

We were able to keep the project on budget and delivered to specific timeframes, providing early warning that allowed the University to apply for significant gap funding. We also identified and proposed space efficiencies for the building, helping to maximise flexibility in terms of how it could be used.

The resulting 7,825 sq m, five-storey building is now home to the latest technology. It has been designed using pioneering techniques to incorporate ultra-high specifications, including 1,500 sq m of cleanrooms, which have an atmosphere more than a million times purer than air.

_{The National Graphene Institute}

In 2018, the National Graphene Institute was followed by the opening of the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC). This £60 million facility will provide a link into existing national expertise, offering a base for organisations and industry to work together on pilot production and accelerated research into the application of graphene.

Having already set the bar with the National Graphene Institute, Arcadis was once again appointed to provide Project Management and Full Design Team Services for the GEIC, including Cost and Information Management. Our appointment of Rafael Vinoly as the architect for the scheme was pivotal; resulting in a striking design that allows the public to witness the development of advanced materials through a highly glazed façade that showcases the research work being carried out within.

The standardisation and flexibility of the space has resulted in a truly adaptable facility, comprising more than 8,400 square meters of new laboratories, a testing hall, offices and new collaboration spaces. Our role – reviewing procurement, minimizing risk and overseeing the tendering process – meant that the new facility could be delivered against a demanding project timetable. We used BIM techniques to increase the speed of modelling, development of options and identification of the preferred design; all of which significantly sped-up the decision making process.

_{The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre}

The new trifecta of buildings was completed with the Henry Royce Institute, which opened its doors in 2020 to provide a hub for world-class research. Here, scientists, industry and the public can come together to accelerate the innovation and adoption of advanced materials to meet our ever-evolving global challenges.

At 46 metres high, the Henry Royce Institute is the tallest building on the university campus, and is home to world-leading materials scientists, state-of-the-art equipment and collaborative space for industrial engagement.

In our role as project manager, cost manager and Full Design Team, we worked with architects NBBJ, contractor Laing O’Rourke, structural engineer Ramboll and building services engineer ARUP to lead the delivery of this new £200 facility. We had to work as a unified team to overcome some of the logistical challenges associated with the project. A busy city centre location meant limited space and strict operating times, but techniques including offsite construction and advanced digital engineering came to the fore, ensuring seamless, timely and cohesive project delivery.

_{The Henry Royce Institute}