A new urban sky park created on a disused railway viaduct in Manchester has been unveiled and will open to public visitors from Saturday, July 30. Castlefield Viaduct, a giant 330 metres long steel structure, has been transformed over the past five months into an elevated park with trees, plants
A £7m indoor attraction based on the blockbuster ITV show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! will open at MediaCityUK later this month following a 32-week project by principal contractor MC Construction. The Salford company carried out enabling and fit-out works at the venue and managed all directly-appointed
MC Construction, a leading construction firm based in Salford, will raise more than £10,000 for North West Cancer Research, to mark its 50th anniversary. The golden anniversary challenge will see the firm’s employees come together to walk, run, cycle or swim a combined total of 10,700 miles – which is
A family-owned construction company has made a strong start to its golden jubilee year with a £2.5m contract to build an extension at a Cheshire school, taking its order book to over £13m. MC Construction, which is based in Salford, has begun work on the scheme at Park Lane Special
MC Construction has won a place on a new three-year framework for improvement works at the internationally-renowned Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire. Salford-based MC Construction has been appointed by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Part of the Science & Technology Facilities Council, STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory has more than 300
MC Construction have officially opened their newly completed extension. The construction work, which cost in the region of £500,000 is expected to cater to the company’s increase in staff numbers at the company headquarters. The extension doubles the amount of space that is on offer to MC Construction, after the
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
A new urban sky park created on a disused railway viaduct in Manchester has been unveiled and will open to public visitors from Saturday, July 30. Castlefield Viaduct, a giant 330 metres long steel structure, has been transformed over the past five months into an elevated park with trees, plants and flowers in a National Trust project overseen by Salford-based MC Construction. Thousands of plants, shrubs and trees have been planted to ‘green’ the historic landmark. The park’s 3,000-plus plants and its design features take their inspiration from Manchester’s heritage, including the county flower, cotton grass and fern species once collected by Manchester suffragist and botanist Lydia Becker. It will be open for 12 months, during which time visitors will be able to explore part of the structure and find out more about the viaduct’s heritage, the city’s long relationship with plants and trees, and learn urban gardening tips. The National Trust hopes to inspire and capture visitor and community opinions to help shape the longer-term future of the Grade II listed structure. Russ Forshaw, Group Operations Director at MC Construction, said: “It has been a great pleasure partnering with National Trust and the key stakeholders involved in the project. “Regenerating the disused Grade II listed Viaduct that has stood above the historic area of Castlefield for over 125 years has been no easy task. I am thrilled with the end result and I am incredibly proud of the team who have worked tirelessly over the past couple of months to bring National Trust’s vision to life.” Unveiling the park today, Hilary McGrady, Director-General of the National Trust, said: “Today is incredibly exciting. The idea of transforming the viaduct has been around for a while, but it was always put in the ‘too hard to achieve’ box and set aside. “For that long-held vision to finally come to life is therefore testament to the strong partnerships we have formed and the hard work of many. “What I love about this space is that it encapsulates so much of what the Trust’s work is about: opening up our shared heritage for everyone to enjoy, creating beautiful spaces and bringing people close to nature. It’s about creating something new for the community, while also protecting an ironic piece of industrial history. “We hope hundreds of people will visit and enjoy spending time in nature among the trees, shrubs and wildlife that is already starting to make this space its home. We’ll also be able to learn from this project and really start to understand more about what and how we can bring more green spaces and wildlife to thousands more people across the country in urban spaces.” Visitors will experience a variety of planting displays as they walk along the viaduct, while enjoying the elevated setting above the historic cobbled streets. The plans for Castlefield Viaduct are part of the National Trust’s Urban Places work to increase access for all to nature, history and beauty in, around and near urban areas. In addition to creating a place where people and nature meet, the new experience will also celebrate the industrial heritage of Castlefield which has been reflected through all elements of the design. The design of the planters gives a subtle nod to the industrial architecture of the 330 metres long viaduct which was built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude, the engineers who worked on Blackpool Tower. The shape of the planters mirrors the curve of the viaduct and their width is the same as the railway tracks that once transported goods across the structure to the Great Northern Warehouse. A section of the viaduct has also been left untouched to provide a sense of how nature has reclaimed the space since the site closed in the late 1960s. Costing £1.8 million, the pilot has been made possible thanks to funding from Postcode Earth Trust supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, as well as public donations which will cover two-thirds of the build costs. One hundred people a day will be able to visit the viaduct from next Saturday. Entry on to the structure will be free, but a booking system will be in place to help manage numbers. As part of the experience, visitors will be able to join guided walks on the viaduct.
A £7m indoor attraction based on the blockbuster ITV show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! will open at MediaCityUK later this month following a 32-week project by principal contractor MC Construction. The Salford company carried out enabling and fit-out works at the venue and managed all directly-appointed contractors, including those responsible for themed attraction installations, ticketing, retail fit-out, IT and communications and the building management system. The works were undertaken across the back-of-house, entrance, reception and attraction space and retail areas. Tickets for I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge will go on general sale Wednesday, July 21 and it will open to the public on Friday, July 30 at Quayside MediaCityUK, formerly known as the Lowry Shopping Centre, which is owned by Peel L&P. Continuum Attractions will operate the attraction. During hours of wholesome fun, Campmates will be taken into the heart of the themed jungle setting to navigate a series of fun-filled, physical challenges. Featuring Main Camp, the Throne and Winners Bridge, the action-packed experience will put Campmates’ nerves and agility to the test as they race against the clock in a bid to collect stars and be crowned King or Queen of the jungle. Timed trials will involve scaling The Ascent, with over 8m of vertical rock, racing across the suspended Treetop Trail, swinging round the Jungle Run, taking a leap of faith on Get a Grip and gliding through the trees on a Zipline. Campmates could also find themselves taking on Kiosk Kev and a multiple-choice Dingo Dollar Challenge if the iconic telephone boxes, synonymous with the TV programme, ring out. The attraction will also feature Europe’s first ceiling-mounted Spyrider (*), a high-speed track which whizzes above the jungle canopy. Russ Forshaw, group operations director at MC Construction, a family-owned business which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with ITV on this project supporting the delivery of what will undoubtedly become one of the north west’s best new indoor attractions. “Talented craftsmen and equipment from all over the world were required to produce the fantastic end product. “Co-ordinating the specialists involved and the logistics of this scheme would have been difficult in normal times, but considering the entire project was delivered during the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m really proud of the way our team adapted and went the extra mile to deal with everything that was thrown at them. “Thankfully the construction industry has remained active throughout the pandemic so we’re also very pleased to be a part of a project that will form part of the leisure and tourism industry’s economic recovery.” James Penfold, Controller of Partnerships for ITV Global Entertainment, said: “I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge is a one of a kind, multi-sensory adventure – bringing together the heart and soul of the hugely celebrated series and ITV’s expertise in curating fantastic, memorable live brand experiences for guests and families across the world. “We’re delighted to see the vision for our flagship I’m a Celebrity… Jungle Challenge attraction come to fruition. “MC Construction delivered the finished product to exacting standards and expertly handled the design and logistical challenges associated with the specialist nature of the project and equipment involved whilst following stringent Covid-19 guidelines.” (*) Tickets for Spyrider are limited and will be available to upgrade for £3 once inside the attraction, subject to availability.
MC Construction, a leading construction firm based in Salford, will raise more than £10,000 for North West Cancer Research, to mark its 50th anniversary. The golden anniversary challenge will see the firm’s employees come together to walk, run, cycle or swim a combined total of 10,700 miles – which is the distance from its headquarters in Salford to Australia’s Gold Coast. As well as the golden anniversary challenge, a calendar of bespoke fundraising activities is planned throughout the year, including an 11,000 ft sky dive for six of the firm’s daredevil employees in May. North West Cancer Research was chosen as MC Construction’s charity of choice, following a survey in which staff overwhelmingly voted for the charity. North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region’s cancer needs first, funding pioneering research to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. The charity currently funds 50 life-saving cancer research projects across the region. MC Construction has opted to raise money to pay for the laboratory supplies needed for an innovative prostate cancer project, the most common male cancer in the North West. There is currently no effective screening programme to help early diagnosis and the project hopes to discover ways to improve detection rates. As part of the firm’s commitment to the health and well-being of its employees, it will also launch a series of educational and awareness programmes to help staff better recognise symptoms and encourage regular checks and GP visits. Dave Lowe, Managing Director at MC Construction, said: “For this very special 50th year we wanted to support to a local charity whose cause was close to the hearts of our employees. “Through North West Cancer Research, we can directly contribute towards vital, pioneering work in cancer prevention, detection and cure in our region.” Alastair Richards, CEO at North West Cancer Research, said: “We are grateful to MC Construction for naming us as their charity of choice this year. “As an independent charity, we rely solely on the donations from businesses and individuals to help us continue our mission to reduce cancer rates in the North West and achieve a cancer-free future for all. We would like to offer our congratulations to MC Construction on their Golden Anniversary and wish them luck for their fundraising challenges ahead.” You can donate towards MC Construction’s Going for Gold challenge here. To find out more about the work being carried out by North West Cancer Research and ways to support the charity visit its website www.nwcr.org.
A family-owned construction company has made a strong start to its golden jubilee year with a £2.5m contract to build an extension at a Cheshire school, taking its order book to over £13m. MC Construction, which is based in Salford, has begun work on the scheme at Park Lane Special School in Macclesfield. The contract has been awarded by Cheshire East Council, procured through the North West Construction Hub framework. It follows a project completed at the school which saw MC Construction build an emergency temporary mobile classroom block for the new pupil intake last September. The latest Park Lane project means the company has secured more than £5.5m of education schemes for Cheshire East Council in the past couple of years. These include one at Elworth Church of England Primary School in Sandbach, where MC Construction is building an extension to house four classrooms, offices, toilets and other facilities in a £1.5m scheme. The project also includes the creation of sports pitches and courts and a forest school area with trail paths. Founded in 1971 by Charles Lowe and John Purcell, MC Construction has entered its milestone year with a strong order book, having secured contracts totalling more than £13m across the education, public sector, healthcare, leisure, heritage and industrial sectors. The company is extending and refurbishing a two-storey building at Park Lane School alongside associated external works to form a new teaching block. Park Lane School provides education for children with severe learning difficulties, complex needs and autism. The development will enable the school to increase pupil numbers from 82 to 122, in line with the council’s strategy of increasing specialist provision in the Macclesfield area. David Lowe, managing director of MC Construction and the son of co-founder Charles Lowe, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cheshire East Council once again and are immensely proud to be involved in this and other vital education projects in the area. “The works will significantly boost educational provision in the borough. Improving the facilities and teaching environment at Park Lane School will enhance the outstanding resources that it already provides for its pupils. “The school remains fully operational during the project, which has been carefully planned to minimise disruption, with an emphasis on ensuring the children feel safe and enjoy the construction works. “Park Lane School and Elworth have welcomed us with open arms as we work together to ensure the construction works are delivered safely. “With a strong pipeline of contracts across a number of sectors, we have begun our 50th year in business in great shape and look forward to the future with optimism.”
MC Construction has won a place on a new three-year framework for improvement works at the internationally-renowned Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire. Salford-based MC Construction has been appointed by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Part of the Science & Technology Facilities Council, STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory has more than 300 staff and is located at Sci-Tech Daresbury, which spans nearly 200,000 sq metres. MC Construction achieved the highest overall score in the tendering process for refurbishment, replacement and maintenance projects worth up to £500,000 in value. Its first-place ranking means it will be awarded all works up to £15,000 in value under the terms of the framework. The estimated total spend under the agreement will be up to £2m a year. Projects will range from minor construction works to extensions and lab and office fit-outs. Russ Forshaw, group operations director at MC Construction, said: “STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory is internationally recognised for its world-leading scientific research. “We are thrilled by our appointment to improve and maintain this inspiring campus via the new framework, and coming first in the tender process highlights that our experience, processes and personnel are of the highest standard to deliver a wide range of projects. “The framework will enable us to showcase the flexibility we offer via our core construction business and facilities services division. In addition, our specialist local supply chain, who will be helping to deliver small and large projects, will have an important role to play in the delivery of future schemes. “We look forward to starting projects in the near future and to building a strong relationship with the client.” MC Construction undertakes building projects throughout the north west with a focus on the commercial, education, heritage, hospitality, industrial, local authority, social housing and healthcare sectors. Its other framework partnerships include Manchester Airport, Royal Mail Group, Transport for Greater Manchester, the University of Manchester, Salford City Council, Cheshire East Council, STAR Procurement, the Crown Commercial Service, North West Construction Hub and the Rise Construction Framework. The family-owned business is based on Oldfield Road, Salford, and employs 60 people. It is celebrating its golden jubilee in 2021. Phill Smith, mechanical project manager at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, said: “With plans to update and refurbish lab and office space across Daresbury Laboratory, we have a very busy schedule planned for the next few years. “I’m looking forward to working closely with MC Construction at this exciting time.”
MC Construction have officially opened their newly completed extension. The construction work, which cost in the region of £500,000 is expected to cater to the company’s increase in staff numbers at the company headquarters. The extension doubles the amount of space that is on offer to MC Construction, after the company outgrew their previous accommodation. The two storey construction project was carried out at the construction company’s HQ which can be found on Oldfield Road in Salford. The new office accommodation has been designed and built to reflect MC Construction’s biophilia principle, which attempts to create an environment for employees that boosts wellbeing as well as levels of concentration. One of the ways this principle is accomplished is by incorporating nature into the workplace. The new offices at the Salford headquarters include a living wall of plants and decor that has natural colours. Other features of the office accommodation are a great deal of natural light and a range of breakout areas for staff to make the most of. The new office space is thought to provide the staff of MC Construction will an improved working environment and will also improve communication between staff at the company due to the open plan layout of the offices. The Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett attended the opening of the offices, and took part in the ceremony by cutting the ribbon to officially open the new extension. Also at the event were around 80 guests including the founders of the business John Purcell and Charles Lowe. MC Construction was founded in 1971 and were there to celebrate the opening of the new extension. To celebrate the founding pair, two meeting rooms in the extension have been named after the co-founders. MC Construction has been based at their Salford location since November of 1984, after relocating from Withington in Manchester. The company brings a great deal to the region, and it is great news that the construction company were able to extend to suit their requirements and stay put in Salford.
