The structure creates a wraparound extension, connected to the existing factory at access points.
Demolition of the existing shell commenced, following a comprehensive preconstruction period, which established detailed environmental protection, traffic management and community liaison plans. Due to the limited accessibility of the site and residential surroundings, the mitigation of disruptive activities was paramount.
Groundworks and concrete pad foundations were laid in preparation for the steel structure to take shape over the course of 14 weeks, revealing the impressive, two-storey outline of the building, with generous ceiling heights and a spacious, central atrium.
Concrete pours completed the first floor and innovative roof before the envelope was sealed with a visually striking, glass curtain wall, bounded at either end and centre by architectural brickwork.
The 560m2 walk-on roof supports the M&E installation and associated services and provides access to the roof structures covering the rest of the building.
Internally, the building is completed with glass partitions throughout the offices, a fully-fitted 1st floor staff canteen and a feature staircase within the main reception area.
Furniture and office equipment was space-planned, procured and supplied by TCi furniture WORKS to achieve a comfortable and practical working environment. Flexible meeting room layouts, breakout areas for informal, collaborative working and several sections of open-plan office area provide ample capacity for a broad variety of working styles. A phased installation programme enabled advance handover of the ground floor.
The result is an imposing façade and office facility which reflects the reputation of the world-renowned client and the high-specification products designed, tested and manufactured on the site.
The project took place within an operational factory site, with containment and traffic management to segregate live environments, construction activities and works traffic.
Site Manager, Stephen Munt attended a prize giving ceremony in Manchester to receive a bronze national site award, recognising the site amongst the top 2.1% of registered sites nationally.
Working with the client, TCi issued a series of inclusive project updates to communicate site activities, encourage involvement and advise of potential disruptions. The updates were designed to keep both client staff and neighbouring communities informed, whilst providing information at a level that young people could also understand, hopefully inspiring a new generation of potential construction professionals.
