Manchester Crown Court

Client Ministry of Justice

Sector Custodial and Judicial

Location North West

Value £8m

Our team delivered extensive refurbishments of Manchester Crown Court over a number of consecutive phases.

Procured via the Ministry of Justice Strategic Alliance Framework, the programme incorporated the strip out and refurbishment of three court rooms and six secure custody areas as well as the replacement of lifts, archive racking, heating, fire alarm and ventilation systems.

The project had to be delivered in a live and secure environment, posing considerable logistical challenges which were further compounded by the constrained location in the centre of Manchester. Extensive digital surveys were carried out at night to understand the uncertainties of an old building which had been reshaped over the years.

By being able to create a detailed BIM model, the design process allowed the team to analyse court room space inadequacies and challenge poor layouts of existing holding cells. This delivered added value such as relocating 11 new holding cells in the basement, adjacent to the secure lift for prisoner movement, providing more space for court room refurbishment

The BIM model which was handed to the MoJ upon completion ensured the project was delivered with zero defects.

“I was genuinely impressed with the engagement I had with all of the team, there was a clear passion for the projects which came across in all of my various discussions.” Simon Davies Project Director, Ministry of Justice