East Manchester regeneration scores twice

Much of the construction for the first phase of the East Manchester regeneration scheme is nearing full time as two steel framed facilities are due to be completed this summer.

Requiring 700t of structural steelwork, the Connell Sixth Form College and the Beswick Leisure Centre have both been erected by Elland Steel Structures, working on behalf of main contractor Laing O’Rourke.

The college will accommodate 600 students to meet a growing demand for places in this part of Manchester. It will open at the beginning of this year’s autumn academic term.

Beswick Leisure Centre, which is also due to open in September, includes an eight lane swimming pool with a moveable floor, a gym and a dance studio.

Overall the project is a joint regeneration scheme between Manchester City Council and Manchester City Football Club. It will deliver new leisure, education and employment opportunities on a 16 acre adjacent to the football club’s Etihad Campus.