One Hardman Boulevard

Client

Gardiner & Theobald

Project overview

Originally completed in 2004 as the headquarters of NatWest Bank, One Hardman Boulevard is undergoing a major refurbishment and repositioning as The Metropolitan, a landmark office redevelopment within Manchester’s Spinningfields district. Designed by SimpsonHaugh, the 350,000 sq ft project will modernise one of the city’s largest commercial buildings while extending its operational life and supporting ambitious BREEAM and NABERS accreditation objectives.

BB7 was appointed to deliver both Façade Engineering and Façade Access & Maintenance consultancy services, with the latter’s scope supporting the review, modernisation and procurement of the building’s existing façade access systems. Rather than defaulting to full replacement, the appointment focused on developing an evidence-led strategy to determine where existing systems could be safely retained, refurbished or upgraded while maintaining long-term safety, compliance and operational performance.

The BB7 response

Working from RIBA Stage 3, BB7 undertook detailed condition assessments of the existing façade access systems, including the roof-mounted Building Maintenance Unit (BMU), internal atrium gantries and associated safety systems. Existing work restraint systems were also reviewed, identifying defects and non-compliant arrangements that required updated restraint strategies to support safe future operation. As a result, the client required a clear and defensible recommendation between refurbishment and full replacement that balanced cost, programme, technical risk, compliance and long-term operational performance.

To address these challenges, we developed a comprehensive, condition-led strategy to assess all façade access systems and establish a clear baseline for intervention. A project-specific Performance Specification (Employer’s Requirements) was produced to define the technical requirements and ensure consistency across all contractor proposals, while we also carried out detailed optioneering studies comparing refurbishment and replacement strategies. Targeted refurbishment methodologies, including non-destructive testing (NDT), mechanical overhauls and selective component replacement, were evaluated alongside full replacement options to determine the most appropriate long-term solution.

BB7 managed the competitive tender process, providing technical support throughout procurement, including detailed reviews of contractor submissions, technical and commercial comparisons, and post-tender validation surveys. These engineering-led assessments enabled the project team to refine the proposed scope, rationalise BMU replacement requirements and make informed decisions based on technical evidence rather than assumptions.

Our appointment continues through RIBA Stage 5, providing ongoing technical support during installation, witnessing Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) and commissioning, together with reviews of operation and maintenance documentation to support the long-term performance of the modernised façade access systems.

Benefits of Service

By adopting an independent, condition-led approach, BB7 enabled the client to make informed investment decisions based on engineering evidence rather than assumptions. Opportunities to safely retain and refurbish existing façade access systems reduced unnecessary replacement works, supported the project’s sustainability objectives and helped minimise programme risk.

Through detailed technical specifications, robust procurement support and continued involvement through delivery, BB7 is helping ensure the modernised façade access systems remain safe, compliant and maintainable throughout the building’s operational life.