Regenerating the Historic Old Quadrangle, University of Manchester

Recognising the historical significance of the Old Quad, the university wanted to create a modern green space that honours its original identity. This new outdoor space reflects their environmental targets for enhancing sustainability and biodiversity on campus.

The project was awarded the ‘Outstanding Impact on our Student Experience’ and ‘Large Project of the Year’ in The University of Manchester’s Estates & Facilities Outstanding Achievement Awards 2025. It was also highly commended for the ‘Environmentally Sustainable Achievement of the Year’ award. 

Challenge

One of the main challenges was the Listed Building status of the Old Quad and the surrounding buildings. The M&E designs had to maintain the historic fabric of the space, ensuring that the new installations would not compromise its aesthetics.

Existing foliage within the Old Quad included tree root protection zones that we needed to coordinate for the new buried services, which consisted of separate dedicated low voltage (LV) power and data ducts.

As part of the new external general and emergency lighting scheme, the University also wanted full control of the luminaires to provide an enhanced experience during special events with dimming and colour changing features.

Solution

To successfully deliver this project while respecting the area’s listed status, our team worked closely with all relevant stakeholders from the initial feasibility stage, through to completion, providing technical assistance and guidance.

Campus security was the University’s top priority, which we supported by providing technical drawings for a new CCTV system in the Old Quad. This involved the installation of four cameras linked to the security office to ensure full coverage of the Old Quad, enhancing safety for staff and students. We engaged with the University’s facilities management and security teams to ensure compliance with UoM standards while ensuring that the new equipment didn’t compromise the historical integrity of the surrounding buildings.

For the lighting design, the project team worked together to develop options and solutions to carefully select luminaire types, installation methods, and finishes to create a well-illuminated area that seamlessly blends with the existing infrastructure and buildings, aligning with the University’s vision and aspirations. The lighting scheme was provided with high efficiency LED luminaires and controls. We implemented a digital multiplex (DMX) lighting control system that provides colour changing and scene-setting, and also automatically adjusts the lighting output based on outdoor conditions, ensuring the system operates only when needed to save energy.