Glazed extensions transform Alliance Manchester Business School
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has announced the winner of its Building of the Year Award 2019, which is sponsored by the CIOB.
Alliance Manchester Business School – part of the University of Manchester’s £1bn campus masterplan – has undergone a complete refurbishment with new glazed extensions and a cantilevering structure. Contractor Mace worked with architect BDP to deliver the project for developer Bruntwood and the university.
The winner was revealed at the chamber’s Property and Construction Annual Dinner and Awards, sponsored by AEW Architects, on 3 October at Imperial War Museum North. CIOB vice-president Mike Foy presented the award.
Three hundred businesses attended the event, which saw the business school beat off stiff competition from four other finalists: Windmill Green, Tameside One, The Pavilion and The Roof Gardens.
The winner was chosen by the chamber’s property and construction committee: 20 professionals from businesses in property and construction.
BDP director Gary Wilde said: “The overall site, a whole city block, gave us the opportunity to reconnect the development to the wider context of Oxford Road and the surrounding area, and the reuse of existing structures from the 1970s exemplifies best practice in sustainability.
“The transformation of the building not only rejuvenates the Oxford Road Corridor but provides the university with facilities to match its international reputation.”
