The National Cycling Centre in Manchester was one of six buildings shortlisted for the Building of the Year Award 2023.
ISG completed a £26.2m programme of modernisation and operational performance upgrades at the National Cycling Centre, upgrading the track and spectator facilities.
The project, delivered through the North West Construction Hub framework, has achieved significant carbon reductions in line with Manchester’s 2038 zero carbon vision. It has also safeguarded the future of Manchester’s “medal factory” as the home of British Cycling for years to come.
The project is a shining example of the kind of retrofit project that organisations such as the UK Green Building Council have stated are essential to achieving the UK’s low carbon imperatives. It fulfils each of the award
selection criteria, as follows:
Design quality – After the project began as a straightforward mechanical and electrical systems upgrade, ISG and its design team worked with MCC and other project stakeholders to deliver an ambitious refurbishment design that fully delivered on the city’s zero carbon aspirations. This led to an M&E design focused on the creation of a new
energy centre housing Air Source Heat Pumps, along with LED lighting, solar panels, heat recovery air handling units (AHUs) and building fabric improvements. This design is powering the NCC’s low carbon future – making it the
UK’s first all-electric velodrome and driving the significant Co2 reductions described below.
Construction techniques – The project was delivered in several phases, with a fundamental objective to minimise disruption to British Cycling as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic games. While the track area was
closed, ISG managed the complex installation of an entire new network of ceiling-mounted ductwork fed from the energy centre, with some sections spanning two metres in diameter. Painstaking protection measures were taken to
avoid damage to the track, in collaboration with track specialists Velotrack. British Cycling moved back in at the earliest possible date, with ISG completing the remaining phases sensitively alongside their training. Final
handover was achieved two weeks early.
Sustainability credentials – Before the works, the NCC was the 2nd largest carbon producer in
MCC’s entire estate. It is estimated that the refurbishment works and new MEP systems will save somewhere in the region of 517 tCO2 per year – a 58% reduction on previous Co2 levels. Furthermore, circular economy principles were embedded into project delivery, with 5.5 tonnes of rubber crumb, metal waste, wooden flooring and
lighting re-used/re-purposed.
Function and use – The project has vastly improved the comfort and conditions within the facility, for cyclists and spectators. During preconstruction, ISG worked with Waterman Building Services (WBS) to carry out thermal
modelling within the arena, identifying issues with heat distribution which needed to be addressed. The new heating/cooling systems were designed with this in mind, ensuring the required warm, constant temperatures for the track and cooler more comfortable conditions for spectators, while both will benefit from new
fresh air ventilation systems. In addition, British Cycling have benefitted from refurbished office
and gym spaces, while improvements have been made to public areas including the café and changing rooms.
Economic benefits – The refurbishment works have ensured the NCC’s continued success as a major economic and community asset for the people of Manchester. The venue has an annual turnover of circa £2m, with British Cycling
contributing significantly to establishing a sustainable business model, which is zero cost to the council’s mainstream revenue budget. Nearly half of the funding that underpins the business plan is derived from the partnership with British Cycling, which utilises the venue on a day-to-day basis, with more than 200 full-time British Cycling staff based on site. This is unique to Manchester and ensures that this venue is one of very few velodromes globally
that can maintain low prices for residents without the need for a public subsidy. The refurbishment is supporting Manchester’s bid to be named ACES European Capital of Cycling for 2024, the culmination of years of work to
make Manchester into a great cycling city
Community benefits – Using the Social Value Portal, we have calculated that £6.9m of social, local and economic value (SLEV) was delivered for the people of Manchester during the refurbishment works. This included 463
apprentice weeks, 245 hours of employment support, 224.5 volunteer hours, 56 training weeks, 6 new jobs created for long-term unemployed and priority groups, and 81.5% of project spend with local businesses. The more modern, efficient, and sustainable features will support local pathways to participation at all levels from community to elite cycling programmes, promoting a more active lifestyle for Manchester’s residents. Through a wide-ranging, accessible Velodrome, BMX, Mountain Bike and multi-sport programme, the facility will connect communities and residents of all ages and abilities to a local world class offer.
Value for money – The NCC project was delivered to budget, with every project milestone date met or exceeded – limiting any loss of revenue for operators GLL. The project team successfully maximised the project budget by obtaining PSDS (Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme) funding, working with other Greater Manchester Combined Authority councils (Rochdale, Salford, Stockport and Wigan) to obtain funding for Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester (UCEGM), which will deliver a number of renewable schemes across the city region and create a blueprint that can be replicated in other regions across the UK aiming for Net Zero carbon emissions.
Innovation and special features - As well as those mentioned above, a new £2.1m solar car ports scheme was delivered in the NCC car parks alongside the internal works. This saw two North West Construction Hub contractors - ISG and Warden – work in collaboration to safely deliver the concurrent scopes of work. The car ports, which received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), are anticipated to save 240 tCO2 emissions per annum.
The Christie Paterson Building was the winner of the Building of the Year Award 2023 - read more here.