Team chosen for ‘world-leading’ North West research hub

The University of Manchester has chosen design and management consultancy Arcadis to deliver the new research hub of The Sir Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials.

Arcadis has been appointed to the role of project and cost manager, while London-based NBBJ Architects is providing designs.

Elsewhere, engineering firms Arup and Ramboll have been brought on board as building services engineers and structural engineers respectively.

Prof. Colin Bailey, the vice-president and dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Manchester University, said: “The Sir Henry Royce Institute will be a world-leading centre for materials research, and is testament to the excellent research taking place at the University of Manchester, the partner institutions and more widely throughout the UK.”

The national institute, announced by Chancellor George Osborne in the 2014 Autumn Statement, will provide materials research facilities to support research into energy, engineering and functional and soft materials.

Arcadis partner Mel Manku commented: “We are thrilled to be appointed on the Sir Henry Royce Institute, building on our strong relationship with The University of Manchester following the successful delivery of the National Graphene Institute (NGI) and development of the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC); and recognising our established position in the higher education, science and research sector.

He continued: “We understand the importance of this nationally significant project and we are privileged to be able to influence the benefits this scheme will bring to Manchester and the UK.”

The centre is due for completion in 2019.