P.P. O’Connor (PPOC), the specialist civil engineering, earthworks, demolition and waste management contractor based Trafford Park, Manchester, has been appointed by The University of Manchester to carry out the complete demolition of Faraday Tower, a vacant 13-storey building on Sackville Street, Manchester.
Constructed more than 50 years ago, Faraday Tower has stood vacant since its closure and whilst it has been maintained, more recent structural tests have made it clear that it has reached the end of its life and cannot be economically refurbished. Complete demolition was the most appropriate way forward, removing the risks associated with the deteriorating structure and preparing the site for future redevelopment.
Scope of Works
The works involve an extensive soft strip and decontamination phase, preparing the building for structural deconstruction by tower crane down to slab level. The works, estimated to take place over a 2 year period, will conclude with the removal of all demolition arisings and waste, leaving a safe, secure site aligned with the University’s requirements for future redevelopment.
“Faraday Tower’s removal is the right decision for the site and the wider Sackville Street area. It’s another example of the kind of large-scale, demolition work that’s helped reshape Manchester’s skyline over the years and we’re proud to be trusted with delivering it. Our team specialises in this kind of complex, safety-led deconstruction work and our focus throughout will be on protecting the surrounding community and the University campus while removing the building safely, cleanly and to the highest standards.”
Martin O’Donnell, Division Managing Director – Demolition, P.P. O’Connor Ltd
With work scheduled to begin on site during the autumn, Faraday Tower is the latest in a long line of high-profile demolition and enabling works projects that PPOC has delivered across Greater Manchester. The contractor is currently carrying out enabling works at Stretford Mall as part of one of the North West’s most significant town centre regeneration schemes and has recently brought down the former Greater Manchester Police headquarters at Chester House in Old Trafford to make way for a new 1,200-home neighbourhood.
PPOC’s history in the city also includes the demolition of the former Boddington’s Brewery in Strangeways paving the way for its redevelopment, once one of Manchester’s most recognisable landmarks.