Construction work has begun on the Manchester hub for the Henry Royce National Institute, the national body promoting research and applications in advanced materials. The University of Manchester has now entered into contract on the creation of the 46-metres high building designed by global architecture office NBBJ - the new hub will be a prominent new landmark on the Manchester skyline.

Based at the heart of The University of Manchester’s campus, the Henry Royce Institute for materials science research and innovation will bring together world-leading academics from across the UK to work closely with industry to ensure commercialisation of fundamental research. 

The development will house world-leading materials scientists, state-of-the-art equipment and provide collaborative and exemplary space for industrial engagement. It is a key part of the University’s ten year Campus Masterplan to create world-class facilities in Manchester.

"We are delighted to be working with a world leading institution on a significant project and help contribute in showcasing Manchester’s ground-breaking research, enabling the Institute to play a vital role at the forefront of UK research and innovation. The project builds on NBBJ’s expertise in the design of collaborative workplaces alongside a deep knowledge of the complex requirements of laboratory facilities to provide high-tech buildings," said Ingo Braun, Design Director at NBBJ.

The Henry Royce Institute will support the Government’s industrial strategy, including investment into the Northern Powerhouse. The report published by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, a group of businesses, organisations and leaders headed by George Osborne, underlines the pivotal role of the Royce Institute in its potential to integrate collective strengths across the North, creating a centre of excellence that companies and researchers will be able to capitalise on.

"Building upon The University of Manchester’s already outstanding reputation for scientific research, the Royce will enable the UK to grow its world-leading research and innovation base in advanced materials science and technology. It is a great addition to our campus," said Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University.

The University of Manchester appointed Arcadis as project manager, cost manager and Full Design Team (PMFD) to lead the delivery of the £105 million building. NBBJ, an international architectural practice, has worked with civil and structural engineers Ramboll and building services engineers Arup to create a world-class building design. This building will be delivered by Laing O’Rourke, the appointed main contractor. The institute is expected to be fully operational by early 2020.

The new facility will be based at The University of Manchester to provide a research beacon for the Royce’s founding partners, including The University of Sheffield; The University of Oxford; University of Liverpool; University of Leeds; University of Cambridge; Imperial College London; the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA); and the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL).

The Manchester-based building will enable a wide array of ground-breaking research to be undertaken. This includes research into biomedical materials which are at the cutting edge of regenerative medicine and prosthetics; nuclear materials to support the energy sector; materials systems for demanding environments; and 2D materials used in inks for printable electronics, enhanced composites, fuel cells and super capacitators.

Building upon The University of Manchester’s already outstanding reputation for scientific research, the institute will enable the UK to grow its world-leading research and innovation base in advanced materials science and technology.

All images courtesy of NBBJ

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