University of Manchester Masterplan – Project Unity – Manchester
2003-ongoing

Terry Farrell and Partners are leading a masterplanning team for Project Unity, the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). This major endeavour will create a world-class university in the city of Manchester, with a student body in excess of 30,000, 8,000 staff and a turnover of almost £500m. The University will be the largest in the UK.

The city centre estate comprises no less than 580,000 sq. ft., of space, spread over two disparate campuses, and includes most types of university facilities, including heavy scientific labs, medical schools, specialist research facilities, humanities, arts and teaching buildings, together with residential and student service complexes.

Within these buildings, which range from 1880s listed ceremonial halls through problematic 1960s buildings to modern business schools, lie 180 University departments, which are to be grouped into 4 new coherent faculties.

The challenge of the project lies in achieving the principles and benefits of 'co-location,' i.e., planning a coherent and attractive University in which interdisciplinary learning is fostered all within a budget of £248m. A new masterplan for the University, an estate strategy and a detailed implementation plan are being produced, following a comprehensive consultation programme with all elements of the constituent institutions. Also, a full and co-operative programme of discussion and masterplan development was held with the Head of Planning at Manchester City Council. Consequently, a formal 'Masterplan Principles' document has been approved by the City Council, and indeed commended to other Higher Education institutions in the area.