Royal College Manchester, Seashell Trust
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Division
MEP Engineering Services
Contract
Design and Build
Value
Circa £4.5m
Completion
December 2025
Project: Royal College Manchester, Seashell Trust
Overview
MEP Design & Build services at the purpose-built Ged Mason Building as part of the £50m transformation at Royal College Manchester – DfE standards & Net Zero Carbon.
The new building delivers a modern learning environment, that has been carefully designed to meet the needs of 16-25 year olds with complex disabilities and communication needs, providing new independent specialist College facilities.
The 5,000m2 specialist college has been built to provide fit-for-purpose classrooms, leisure facilities including rebound therapy and a sensory theatre, a new sports hall, a fitness suite and flexible multipurpose spaces for a range of activities from staff training to fitness classes, along with working space for the Trust’s staff.
Scope of Work
WLG delivered the full design, coordination, installation and commissioning of all mechanical, electrical and public health systems. The services were fully integrated within the building fabric and designed to meet SEN-specific requirements.
The scope included HVAC, lighting, power, fire alarm, data, security, domestic water services and drainage. Specialist systems were also provided to support the diverse activities of the college.
The project required close collaboration with the wider design team and key stakeholders. Particular focus was placed on safety, accessibility and operational performance. Commissioning and handover were completed efficiently, providing fully operational facilities for staff and students in line with the programme.
Client comment
David Walker, Transformation Project Design Lead for Seashell Trust: “Having been set the goal of achieving net Carbon Zero, the final Energy Performance Certificate submitted by WLG actually achieved a rating of -1, A+; an incredible result that speaks volumes for the quality of design and installation work that WLG provided.
“The electrical design was particularly noteworthy as a great deal of thought and effort went into sourcing, specifying, locating and installing equipment to simplify and improve accessibility and maximise independence and autonomy for students and staff alike.
“We are excited to see how all users will adapt and react to these wonderful new facilities. We are hopeful the building will prove to be a great success and very much appreciate the incredible efforts of all concerned.”
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