THE CHALLENGE

KOK have provided Principal Designer and CDM Advisor services on various projects for the University of Manchester Campus Masterplan, with completed projects totalling over £275million and an estimated total spend of £1billion over the course of the 10-year Masterplan.

Significant site and logistical challenges faced the early enabling works for the project, which included the demolition of the 9-storey, 1960’s concrete-framed Faraday UG research facility located within the congested City-Centre Campus accessible by the public.

The works also included the safe removal of a bridge structure over the public highway linking the Faraday UG building to the Faraday Tower Building, removal and disposal of asbestos and mercury contaminants and the protection of the adjacent main service tunnel serving the rest of North Campus and the River Medlock twin tunnel culvert.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Demolition of former research building including high alumina cement structures.

Major groundworks within City Centre Campus to protect main arterial service duct serving adjacent research buildings of former UMIST Campus.

Management and removal of significant amounts of infrastructure asbestos and chemical contamination.

Major construction work within a busy University Campus.

Significant infrastructure services diversions and protection of adjacent gas main

Management of construction traffic adjacent to Mancunian Way flyover.

Contamination from burning vehicles. As part of the review of hazards KOK undertook a detailed review and quickly identified a range of potential contaminants which further reinforced the decision to leave all vehicles in situ.

The performance vehicular access to the Echo Arena was via a tunnel directly under the car park. This needed to be protected both during and after demolition to maintain the route for vehicles servicing the Echo Arena. Detailed temporary works were designed including crash deck scaffolding to mitigate any risks.

THE OUTCOME & RESULTS

Successfully coordinated health and safety matters throughout the Project. Worked with the Project Team to SFAIRP ensure CDM and other UK construction safety Regulations were complied with, and all Client duties discharged.