Phoenix Ironworks
Civil Engineering
Structural Engineering
HRB Expertise
BSR Gateway 2 Support
Ancoats, Manchester
Engineering for safety and compliance on a historic city-centre site
Manchester Life’s Phoenix Ironworks residential scheme in Ancoats, Manchester is a significant urban regeneration development set to transform a historic industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use development. The project encompasses 256 new homes to rent, alongside commercial space and workshops. A key consideration is that the residential buildings are classified as High-Risk Buildings (HRBs) due to the significant consequence of failure, placing them under the stringent new requirements of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). This necessitated a highly detailed and compliant design approach, particularly for structural safety (Part A) from the earliest stages.
Solution and Approach
KODA is providing comprehensive civil and structural engineering services for the Phoenix Ironworks project, guiding it through the critical Gateway 2 submission and continuing through the entire project delivery on site. Our team is acutely aware that the new BSR requirements place increased pressure on the design team to develop a thoroughly detailed design much earlier in the project lifecycle.
There is a profound emphasis on Life Safety, within which Part A (Structure) is a critical categorised element. Our approach involves meticulous structural design to meet and exceed these enhanced safety standards, robust detailing, and close collaboration with the client, architect, and other consultants to ensure a fully integrated and compliant design.
Outcome and Impact
KODA's proactive and expert engagement is ensuring that Phoenix Ironworks is well-prepared to meet the rigorous demands of the BSR and the Gateway 2 approval process. By embedding Life Safety considerations into the core of the structural design from day one, we are helping to de-risk the project and streamline its path to construction. This landmark development will not only provide essential new homes and commercial opportunities but transform a major site within the Poland Street area of Ancoats, with safety and structural integrity at its heart.