In March 2017, the University Board of Governors approved the ten-year Estate Strategy (2017 – 2027). The Estate Strategy sets out a framework through which the development of the estate will support and enable the University Strategy. It will focus upon developing our existing presence within Manchester city centre and the Oxford Road corridor to support our academic ambition and reinforce the centrality of the University to the city and our community. It is a key enabler of success and of the continued delivery of a high quality student and staff experience in an increasingly competitive sector. In June 2017, the University approved the complimentary five year £378m Estates Investment Programme (2017 – 2022). The investment programme outlines a range of projects that will contribute significantly towards the student experience, increase our research capabilities and improve the public spaces that connect our buildings.
The programme encompasses a range of major developments and tactical refurbishment projects as follows. The six main transformational projects include: • The Arts and Humanities development, located on the old Mabel Tylecote plot, will create an inspirational venue on the Oxford Road corridor for Theatre, Creative Writing and Multimedia Journalism (due for handover April May 2020). • The Science and Engineering development will significantly increase the university’s capabilities and profile within key research areas. • The new International Screen School Manchester will be home to an interdisciplinary digital skills powerhouse, supporting the growth of a priority sector in the regional economy. • An enhanced offering for sport which would bring together all of our activities to deliver an optimal environment for academics, performance athletes and recreational athletes to excel. This will include world-leading research, high-quality academic courses and support for all to participate in sport for recreational and health-related reasons. • Strategic investment in the Student Residential portfolio to increase the proportion and quality of university centrally controlled beds. • The refurbishment of 6 Great Marlborough Street for use as professional services office accommodation to facilitate numerous projects on the retained academic estate. Other planned investments include improvement of our public realm spaces, the installation of an energy centre and heat network to provide utility resilience, additional facilities at Platt Lane and Sugden in support of the participation sport strategy and a number of ‘business as usual’ projects to protect the student experience. Projects within the programme are in various stages of development. The first major project to be delivered will be the refurbishment of 6 Great Marlborough Street in summer 2018. The Arts and Humanities development is well matured and contractors will start on site in the coming months.
Assistant Director, Estates Infrastructure and Sustainability | 25
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