North West Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)

The facility is playing a key role in driving recovery, growth, productivity and innovation, supporting Lancashire firms to compete nationally and internationally. Its high-performing technical R&D team is set to enhance the manufacturing base of Lancashire, working with both manufacturing companies and their supply chains.

Key facts  

• 4,500 m2 floor area and 16 m building height. 
• 3-storey office and meeting space. 
• 2 double-height specialist research workshops with overhead cranes. 
• Steel frame, cladding/brickwork envelope and feature glazing.
• Extensive skylight above large atrium creating welcoming, bright space.
• 80-vehicle car park, service yard, fuel storage and landscaping. 

The project team are excellent, well organised, and the communication perfect. Senior University feedback has been really positive. The whole Robertson attitude and attention to detail is what makes the difference.

—  Richard Parr, Senior Project Manager, University of Sheffield.

Driving innovation to improve quality

Robertson drove innovation on the project including a solution for internal workshop pod walls, which needed open tops to allow access for beam cranes. We collaboratively explored options using 3D design software, sourcing an off-site cassette system that overcame the restrictive soffit bracing that would have been required conventional plasterboard systems. This was faster to build, generated far less waste on site, required fewer installers and gave a neater self-finished external lining than conventional systems.

Project team

Architect: Cartwright Pickard Architects
Principal contractor: Robertson North West
Civil & structural engineer: Curtins Consulting
M&E engineer: Arup