Manchester Central Convention Complex
Manchester, England · 2008-2010 (major refurbishment) · £30 million (2008-2009 renovation)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchPhased refurbishment: The project was carried out in phases, including foyer creation in 2008 and extension to the Central Hall in late 2009. - Restoration of original features: The replacement of smoked glass with clear glazing aimed to restore the building's original appearance.
Key engineering challenges
Redeveloping a Grade II* listed former railway station (GMEX) into a modern convention complex. - Replacing the old smoked-glass structure with clear glazing to restore the original architectural intent. - Extending the foyer to the listed Central Hall while maintaining the building's heritage.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Manchester City Council
- Lead contractor
- Alfred McAlpine (original conversion); Stephenson Bell (renovating firm)
- Lead designers
- Stephenson Bell (renovating firm)
- Project type
- refurbishment
- Scale
- Grade II* listed building, 64 m arch span, 168 m hall length, 27 m height, 2-storey brick building with single-span segmental iron-and-glass arched roof.
- Disciplines
- Structural Engineering; Architecture; Heritage Engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Building Regulations; Heritage England guidelines (implied)
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manchester_Central_Convention_Complex