Manchester’s Graphene Innovation Centre is North West’s ‘Project of the Year’
The University of Manchester’s impressive Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) has been named the ‘Project of the Year’ at the RICS Awards 2019, North West.
The award celebrate the region’s top, community-led built projects and the talent behind them.
The £60m GEIC – a state-of-the-art graphene research facility – triumphed over close to 30 of the North West’s most inspiring property projects to win the Design through Innovation award, before winning the overall ‘Project of the Year, North West’ title, after demonstrating outstanding best practice and commitment to adding value to its local area.
The GEIC – delivered by Arcadis, Laing O’Rourke Construction and Raphael Vinoly Architects – is the first new building in 40 years on the University of Manchester’s North Campus and will act as a regeneration catalyst to promote the area as a future ‘Graphene City’, with a predicted economic impact of more than £100m, over the facility’s lifetime.
Chair of the judging panel for the RICS Awards, North West, Will Rees of Rees Straw Chartered Surveyors, said: “Due to the high interest in graphene and its potential as a revolutionary material, the future and long-term prospects of the GEIC are significant.
“It will provide a place for the world’s innovators – across various sectors – to help shape the future of our communities and industries by opening up new markets and improving existing technologies and materials.
“The modular construction approach to the GEIC has also delivered maximum flexibility and enhanced the overall building usability, whilst ensuring minimal reliance on energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and natural ventilation. Overall, it is a stand-out Project of the Year.”
The winners of all seven categories were announced as:
- Building Conservation – Hanover, NOMA, Manchester
- Commercial – Radius Campus, Crewe
- Community Benefit – Mustard Tree, Manchester
- Design through Innovation – Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, Manchester
- Regeneration – Perseverance Mill, Padiham
- Residential – The Welsh Streets, Liverpool
- Tourism & Leisure – Birdoswald Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall, Brampton
Will Rees said: “A diverse range of innovative projects, of all sizes and budgets, made the shortlist this year and the winners are truly representative of our region’s best and most innovative built projects that are having a significant positive impact on their communities.
“The teams behind these winning projects should be very proud of their exceptional achievements and contribution to the region.”
All category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final on October 4, in London, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner in their respective category.
Last year’s Project of the Year winner was The Mersey Gateway Project, the new six-lane toll bridge over the River Mersey in Halton.
