New mixed-use development, comprising 355 homes and commercial and retail spaces spread over three buildings, including a refurbished motorcycle factory and a 23-storey tower.

Eckersley O’Callaghan is providing structural and facade engineering services for this residential scheme in Manchester, which is the first project in the city for Logik Developments. Situated where the Mancunian Way passes through Castlefield, the scheme includes a 23-storey residential tower and a mid-rise, mixed-use building that features commercial space and apartments.

The existing Department of Transport (DOT) Motorcycle building, which dates from the 1900s, will see its red brick facade retained, while the building’s interior is transformed into new commercial and residential space. There will also be a roof garden for residents.

The first building is an L-shaped residential block ranging from eight to nine storeys in height, with roof gardens for residents and commercial space at ground level. Reflecting neighbouring mill and warehouse buildings, the facade combines contemporary detailing, hand cast brick finishes and bronze cladding and frames.

Building two comprises an 11-storey linear block and a 23-storey tower set within it. The building features full height facade components and a material palette of reconstituted stone mullions that reference the sandstone tones and textures characteristic of many of Manchester’s historical facades. Recessed within this grid are full height glazing and bronze-coloured metal screens. These screens conceal duct work above windows and guard glazed opening doors.

We have helped achieve early cost certainty for the project by developing a detailed Building Information Model (BIM) which has been used during the costing exercise. We have also undertaken an extensive value engineering exercise for the foundations and substructure, considering different systems, buildability and programme.

Our facades team took a similar approach to the design, looking at various precast and unitised systems for the different facade types on each building, with the aim of achieving a fast on-site programme.

Location
Manchester, UK

Client
Logik Developments

Architect
SimpsonHaugh