North West Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)
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Summary
Building Lancashire's reputation for advanced manufacturing
Robertson constructed a dedicated Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West in Preston, for The University of Sheffield. It boosts Lancashire’s reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative regions for advanced manufacturing and extends the AMRC’s footprint across the north.
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.
4,500 m2
floor area
16 m
building height
3-storey
office and meeting space
Key facts
- 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.
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
