Balfour Beatty Engineering Services (BBES) has completed a sustainable mechanical and electrical (M&E) installation as part of the £11.6 million refurbishment and remodelling of Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale divisional headquarters.
The project has achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘very good’ and save approximately 230 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Working under a continued framework agreement with main contractor Mansell, a Balfour Beatty Company, and Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the redevelopment transformed the ageing 1960’s concrete building into a state-of-the-art divisional headquarters.
The 18-month project included the creation of a stunning glazed atrium and new external lighting. Internal areas were fitted-out to include open plan offices, meeting rooms, kitchen and toilet facilities, as well as informal meeting areas and social spaces.
The project required BBES to engineer a comprehensive M&E package that would meet both the restrictive demands of the structure whilst also ensuring service diversions – including heating, communication, drainage, alarms and security systems – would protect the integrity of the building. It was essential that the headquarters remained operational throughout the work.
In addition, the new M&E package had to play a key role in creating a low energy use building that would achieve a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating. The sustainable initiatives utilised included the introduction of high performance insulation to the building fabric, installation of solar heating panels and absence detection to lighting and ventilation systems to minimise unnecessary use and reduce energy costs.
Other work included the installation of all equipment, pipework and ductwork to accommodate the new air conditioning system as well as electrical, CCTV, fire alarm and security systems. In addition, new water and waste systems were installed. With security paramount, BBES implemented a phased installation using careful planning and liaising closely with Mansell and Greater Manchester Police.
With a number of spatial restrictions to overcome, BBES utilised an innovative solution for concealing power outlets for computer services. A raised access floor was unsuitable due to an unchangeable floor to ceiling height so BBES installed hidden power outlets directly beneath window sills.
The refurbishment, in which the delivery of M&E services played a crucial role, has not only improved facilities for staff and visitors but is also expected to reduce annual gas and electricity costs by £13,500 per annum, as well as reducing CO2 emissions by a staggering 230 tonnes.
Completed in October 2012, the project was successfully handed over to Greater Manchester Police on time and has achieved the targeted BREEAM ‘very good’ rating.
Following the creation of these first class working facilities, BBES has once again demonstrated its abilities to complete the most challenging M&E projects to the very highest standard.