Sheppard Robson wins Royal Eye Hospital brief

THE MANCHESTER office of architectural practice Sheppard Robson, has been appointed by Bruntwood and Manchester Science Parks (MSP) on the £21m Manchester Royal Eye Hospital project to create a centre for bio-medical research.

The 100,000 sq ft project comprises both new build and refurbishment work on the Grade II listed Victorian building that will include laboratory space, clinical testing wards, offices, teaching facilities and other specialist space.

A new structure will be erected behind the existing building, which will include laboratory space and clinical testing wards, while the refurbished area will provide office and administrative facilities. The new space is offset from the main building, which is fused together by way of a glazed atrium consisting of hub space and breakout areas.

Tony O’Brien, partner at Sheppard Robson, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed on the project, which is set to be hugely important to the city centre in its capacity as a key aspect of the regeneration and development of the Manchester Corridor”.

“The team at Sheppard Robson has produced a design that is both cutting edge and visually compelling, yet sympathetic to the original building’s Victorian façade.”

Bruntwood CEO Chris Oglesby said: “This is an exciting project for both Bruntwood and Manchester Science Parks (MSP). The development of the former Royal Eye Hospital will work to deliver the life-saving treatments of tomorrow and turn research discoveries into competitive advantages for the UK economy.”