Buttress Architects

We worked with the Manchester College (then MANCAT) to relocate from their city centre campus to a number of campus sites across Greater Manchester.

The Openshaw Campus is the focal point of the college and as such a multi-phase project was implemented converting a number of industrial units to educational use, plus the restoration and upgrade of existing college units. The creation of a distinctive architectural style that unified the whole campus was important to raise the profile of the college.

The heart of the campus is a converted 10,000 m2 warehouse which now houses classrooms, an extensive ICT suite, industry-sponsored motor vehicle training department, 200 seat lecture theatre, gym, café, library and other curricula focused activities.
The specialist motor vehicle training centre offers students the opportunity to work with the newest technology in a modern and professional environment. it is designed to industry standards, including high-pressure spray booths and is sponsored by Jaguar.

Externally much of the warehouse is very simply clad; conversely the entrance facade is designed with an open glazed facade and terracotta clad fins to create an external social space and focal point to the building.

The new facilities offered The Manchester College the opportunity to extend its range of adult learning courses and so improve its reach within the local catchment areas. The Openshaw campus has been well received by the college who attribute their continued success and development to the improved estate with its well designed learning and social spaces.