MANCHESTER SETS NEW STANDARDS FOR SAFETY AND COMFORT AT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

The new £23 million Manchester International Convention Centre establishes new benchmarks for venues of this class.  Beneath the chrome, glass and sandstone facade is a highly adaptable building that will ensure total comfort and safety for visitors and delegates.  Leading heating and ventilation systems supplier Senior Hargreaves provided ductwork for internal climate control and emergency systems for smoke removal.

The MICC is designed to meet the needs of different activities.  There are two main elements to the building; the 800 seat auditorium and a 1900 square metre multipurpose hall.  The auditorium provides sumptuous accommodation with theatre style seating and a 250 square metre stage.  Advanced lighting, sound system and acoustics make this a suitable venue for product launches, press conferences and conventions.  This facility is complemented by seven breakout suites for smaller meetings, hospitality or displays.  Some of these suites can also be sub divided to accommodate various occupancies and uses.  

The multipurpose hall can accommodate banquets for up to 1000 guests.  Meals will be prepared on-site in the extensive kitchens beneath the hall.  With a ten metre height, the hall also provides valuable exhibition space to complement the auditorium and adjoining GMEX exhibition complex.  

Carillion were main contractors for the project.  The engineering team has was led by Arup, who were responsible for structural, building services, acoustics and fire engineering design.  Crown House Engineering was the main mechanical services contractor working in close collaboration with ductwork specialist Senior Hargreaves.

Technically the project was challenging in several respects.  The high quality environments demanded a high level of servicing but also required that plant noise and airflow should be unobtrusive.  These objectives were met by the use of carefully selected equipment to generate less noise, special acoustic sections in the ductwork and care with the design and placement of exhaust terminals to avoid harsh air movement.

The statistics are impressive.  The building has a total cooling load of 880kw and a total heating capacity of 2.4mw.  Optimum temperature in the auditorium will be regulated to achieve no more than 24 degrees C in the summer and no less than 20 degrees C in the winter.  The corresponding figures for the multi purpose hall are 22 and 20 degrees C.

Fire engineering systems are an integral part of the project.  Within a £500,000 contract Senior Hargreaves fire rated ductwork is installed in all public areas and services the kitchens, workshops and areas beneath the multi purpose hall.  These systems will capture heat and smoke and ensure its safe removal from the building.

MICC is already attracting national and international attention it will play a role within the 2002 Commonwealth Games as the venue for weight lifting.


More information:
Mark Barry, Senior Hargreaves, Tel. +44 (0)161 764 5082 Fax. +44 (0)161 762 2336
E-mail: m.barry@senior-hargreaves.co.uk Web: www.hargreaves-ductwork.co.uk

April 24, 2001