News

New Science and Engineering building receives planning approval

State-of-the-art facilities will open at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2023.

Acting on behalf of Manchester Metropolitan University, Turley has helped secure planning permission for the new state-of-the-art Science and Engineering building at Manchester Metropolitan University.

We provided expert Planning, EIA, Economics and Strategic Communications services for the project which was approved unanimously by Manchester City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee yesterday (March 12), and will see the existing John Dalton West building demolished and a new, seven-storey academic building constructed in its place. Demolition works are expected to begin at the end of 2020, and the building is expected to welcome students and staff in 2023.

The multi-phase project will be situated on the land between the Mancunian Way, Chester Street, Oxford Road and Cambridge Street and will see the new building connected to the University’s current John Dalton Tower.

Associate Director, Anna Relph said:

"We are thrilled with Manchester City Council’s decision to grant planning permission for the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. The new facilities will enable the Faculty to continue to develop its research capabilities and its international reputation for world-class, interdisciplinary research. The development will increase the efficiency of the retained estate and create a new ‘landmark’ for the university campus. This has been a fantastic project to be involved in and we’re looking forward to seeing the completed state-of-the-art facilities."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Malcolm Press said:

“Our new Science and Engineering Building will provide a hugely improved environment for students and staff. This ensures we can offer courses and business support that reflect Manchester’s aspirations and address its future challenges, such as tackling climate change and teaching the knowledge and skills required for the next generation of industries.

“At the same time, it will provide space for substantial growth in our research, where we play a significant role in areas such as healthcare innovation, advanced materials and manufacturing, digital technologies and decarbonisation.”

The highly sustainable, low energy, living lab building will provide the Faculty of Science and Engineering with new teaching spaces, cutting-edge laboratories including a 200-seat super lab, academic offices, social and self-directed learning areas.

It will house the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, which is dedicated to developing green, clean and accessible power. There will be a new energy centre as well as extensive public realm works.

Professor Andrew Gibson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan, said:

“We are very much looking forward to the enhanced educational and research environment that the building delivers in terms of the social learning spaces, teaching rooms, IT suites, laboratories and even greenhouses.

"These facilities will help our important work in the fields of Industry 4.0, climate change, digital skills and innovation, sport and exercise sciences, and green technologies go from strength to strength, and will enable us to effect change in the region by sharing our world-class facilities and expertise with business, industry and policymakers.”

The science and engineering development is part of the University's ambitious Estates Masterplan Investment Programme which is investing £378.8 million to transform its campus over the coming years.

Managed by the University's Capital Development team, the Masterplan includes new buildings for Arts and Humanities, the School of Digital Arts and Birley Residences Phase 2, as well as refurbishments for the Ormond building and 99 Oxford Road, which will be an intrinsic part of the new Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport.

13 March 2020