Who: The University of Manchester

When: 2024 – Ongoing

What:

The Zochonis Building is a stalwart of the University of Manchester campus, with its unusual name and striking appearance, making it stand out from the other buildings in the area. Located on Brunswick Street, the building is used for multiple purposes including hosting lectures, teaching and research and being the home of several specialist laboratories. The building was originally built in 1953, being named after the businessman and philanthropist Sir John Zochonis, who in his lifetime was known as ‘possibly the largest giver to charities in the North West’ with Chethams School of Music, The Buxton Festival, Manchester International Festival, The Royal Exchange Theatre and Manchester Art Gallery all benefitting from his donations.

RECOM are currently overseeing the long-term maintenance and decarbonisation of the Zochonis building to support the University of Manchester in their objective to be carbon neutral by 2038. This work will include renewing the asset lifespan for a minimum of a further 25 years, supporting the carbon reduction initiative and undertaking user-driven remodelling initiatives to enhance utilisation and operation of the spaces.

The project secured external grant funding which has placed additional programme pressure on the project due to fixed drawdown and payment milestones. RECOM have aided this by mitigating and accelerating the programme of works to meet the grant funding requirements.

Key Features:

• Driving the programme to achieve challenging constraints of external grant funding, combined with late introduction of user-driven modelling.
• Undertook forensic cost plan review, utilising knowledge of main contractors and supply chain partners which led to identifying significant savings.
• Improving the thermal performance of the building including external wall insulation, window and curtain walling replacement and roof insulation.
• A full mechanical and engineering replacement and upgrade throughout the building.
• Additional upgrades throughout the building to improve the user ‘experience’ and compliance including remodelling, decoration, and upgrades to the teaching, seminar and lecture theatres.