Openshaw Campus, The Manchester College

Manchester

Sector: Education
Location: Manchester
Year: 2021
Client: LTE Group
Architect: Ellis Williams Architects
Structural Engineer: Bell Munro Consulting
Quantity Surveyor: Pearson Fraser
Principal Designer: Rider Levitt Bucknall UK
Value: £12.5m

We delivered the Openshaw Campus project at The Manchester College following the collapse of the original contractor during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Awarded a £12.5m design and build contract, we successfully completed all works on a live college site in September 2021, including phased handovers and decanting, ensuring minimal disruption to students and staff.

Transforming Learning Facilities

The project included the construction of a new sports facility and construction curriculum building, refurbishment and remodelling of existing workshops to create engineering and motor vehicle teaching spaces, and selective refurbishment of Whitworth House for staff and teaching accommodation.

External works featured an extension to Odell Street car park to improve access for staff, students, and visitors. The development was designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Innovation and Social Value

Working under Covid restrictions, we implemented stringent safety protocols and provided digital work experience for over 500 students. Using the TOMS framework £1.37m of social value was delivered throughout the course of the project.

Innovative solutions, including pre-cast hollowcore planks with fair-faced soffits, allowed us to meet programme and budget requirements while maintaining exceptional quality.

Collaboration and Impact

We were highly commended by the college for planning and communication, maintaining business-as-usual teaching alongside construction, and successfully delivering all areas ready for the new term.

The project supports the college’s wider estate strategy and the development of future talent in the North West construction industry, reflecting our commitment to quality, innovation, and community impact.

The Caddick team were professional and friendly throughout with a “can do” approach. They have delivered a quality product and managed the phasing requirements well, allowing the students to start learning in their new facilities on time.

Niall Wright Director of Estate Redevelopment
The Caddick team demonstrated a professional and friendly approach throughout with a can-do solution focussed approach. Challenges have been encountered throughout, including impacts of the pandemic and Brexit, and Caddick worked through them in a supportive and collaborative manner, ensuring the successful delivery of the project was always at the forefront of decision making.

Colm DonaghyProject Manager at Burntwood

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