Our New Wakefield Street development in Manchester is being built for Unite Integrated Solutions – a client with whom we have an excellent relationship having built previous schemes for them in Liverpool, Coventry and Sheffield.
We started on site in January 2018 for the demolition phase of the project – clearing an existing warehouse and nightclub. Our contract is to design and construct a 603-bed student accommodation scheme, including inside communal spaces, study areas and full domestic facilities. The scheme provides 17,181m2 of accommodation spread over 33 floors, with a mix of studios and cluster accommodation.
We were involved in the development of the design and cost plan prior to the planning submission. We managed the procurement and completion of the investigative surveys and will be chairing design team meetings to enable us to drive the design and keep an eye on cost while focussing on our client’s key requirements and aspirations.
The construction will be made up of a reinforced concrete frame with in-situ concrete floors. Externally the building has a number of finishes including glazing and anodised cladding panels all fixed within a unitised curtain wall system.
All levels of the building will have mechanical background ventilation running 24/7 providing minimum building regulation vent rates, with opening windows as part of the purge ventilation strategy to prevent overheating. The build incorporates a ground floor shell and core retail space and first floor communal space for students. The new building has energy efficient lighting and heating and is targeting a BREEAM “Excellent” rating.
