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Central Manchester Hospitals and Research Centre

Breathing new life into one of the UK’s historic urban medical campuses

  • 4

    New Hospitals

  • 7700

    Design Plans

  • 139k

    Square Metres

  • Manchester, United Kingdom

    Manchester, United Kingdom

Weaving a modern hospital complex into the fabric of a vibrant community

Manchester, England, is a city in transition. But as it changes, its industrial Victorian past remains woven into its modern urban tapestry. This evolution can be seen in Central Manchester Hospitals and Research Centre (CMHRC). Through bold and original design, the hospital campus honors the past, meets the needs of today’s patient, and is leading Manchester into the future.

CMHRC represents one of Stantec’s most challenging and rewarding healthcare projects. When the designers first visited the campus, they found a series of separate hospitals that had suffered from a century’s worth of piecemeal developments. A major factor in the success of this scheme was Stantec’s strong master plan, which has restored clarity to the site.

Others saw old buildings. We saw a city’s rich history and a chance to preserve the heritage that has shaped, and continues to shape, the community. In designing the new hospital campus plan, we turned many of the surrounding Victorian buildings into non-clinical support spaces. These modern spaces—including an education center, library, cafe, and staff housing—celebrate the past and help patients and visitors feel comfortable, uplifted, and inspired.

The ambitious scheme co-locates four new hospitals – adult, eye, women’s, and children’s—under a single unifying roof. Each hospital has its own entrance, sky lit reception, and outpatient facilities. Additionally, there are two mental health centres, eight ancillary buildings, and the retention of a historic Grade II listed Victorian frontage. The campus is organised by a central landscaped boulevard—one of the largest green spaces in Manchester.

Manchester continues its tradition of medical advancements with the inclusion of a state-of-the-art research centre. It is favourably located on the upper floors of the main hospital’s building to promote bench-to-bedside research.

Central Manchester Hospitals have always been a comforting beacon of care for those in need. Now, it's commitment can be seen and felt through a new layout that quite literally, puts community first. Shared diagnostic and research spaces support each hospital's patient spaces. Reception areas are light, airy and welcoming. Each entrance faces the main hospital "boulevard" and green space, creating a strong sense of community.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Central Manchester Hospitals
Awards
GM Chamber of Commerce Award, Excellence in Design, 2009 Building of the Year, Highly Commended
Building Better Healthcare Awards, 2009 Best Hospital Design, Finalist 2009 Best Project Team
IA Design and Health Award, 2009 Best Healthcare Project over 40,000 Sq M, Highly Commended
Meet Our Team

Velimira Drummer, Interior Leader, Associate and Senior Architect

Good interior design has the power to enhance our moods and even change our behaviour—at best, it improves lives.
Velimira Drummer Interior Leader, Associate and Senior Architect Read More

David Martin, Vice President, Design Director, Buildings

My passion is engaging with our clients, synthesizing their needs and opportunities into a convergence of form, function, and beauty.
David Martin Vice President, Design Director, Buildings Read More

Catherine Zeliotis, Principal

Imaginative clinical planning is inseparable from great building design. The free flow of ideas is exhilarating.

Velimira Drummer

Interior Leader, Associate and Senior Architect

David Martin

Vice President, Design Director, Buildings

Catherine Zeliotis

Principal

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