School of Optometry, University of Manchester

Location: Dover Street, Manchester
Project Category: Sub-Contractor (Education Sector)
Project Start: November 2010
Project End: February 2011

This project involved the strip out of a 5 storey building of the School of Optometry whilst it remained in operation, in preparation for a full refurbishment.

This project comprised:

• Precision cutting of the main support beam within the support frame, utilising cranes to lift the beam to the ground
• Lifting of new steel works into place
• Removal of a large part of the internal support walls (with extensive propping in place) to allow conversion of the property into an open plan area of learning
• Cutting away of floors to allow for new staircases to be installed
• Removal of roof
• Removal of elevator housing from roof
• New roof covering put in place
• Removal of all external windows
• Landscaping and remodelling of surrounding grounds to suit the environment.

The unusual design of the building called for the use of non-standard methods.

Operating with the property still in use meant using methods of working and disposal routes that were not the most direct or easiest. Additional risk assessments and precautions were required.

Completion of each phase has been successfully achieved on programme