Christie Multi-Storey Car Park

The Christie hospital in Manchester, via the Christie NHS Foundation Trust wanted to increase the number of car parking spaces across the hospital complex with the construction of a four storey multi-storey car park.

Designed by AFL Architects, and with Vinci construction as the main contractor, the new car park will provide 565 spaces, with 253 on a reconfigured surface level car park. This will increase the total number of spaces on site to 818 from the current 414. This will include 34 disabled spaces, 12 electric vehicle charging points and 26 bicycle parks.

Two existing buildings, currently used as temporary offices, will be demolished to make way for the new car park. Part of the project will also include an upgraded road junction and a new pedestrian crossing at the hospital entrance.

To reduce energy consumption, the architects of the car park included a natural ventilation strategy which also reduced the carbon footprint of the building.

Hambleton Steel worked with Vinci's North West office to deliver the structural steelwork and metal decking for the multi-storey car park. This included the project management of the design, fabrication and erection of all structural steel elements.

Other elements of the project include landscaping, lighting for the car park, the access road and security which includes CCTV, access control and security barriers. The hospital was always struggling to accommodate visitors during busy periods and by doubling the number of available spaces it will make it much easier.

The vision for the new multi-storey car park is one that complements the overall brand of the NHS trust. The north-west and north elevations will incorporate similar cladding to that of the adjacent Research Centre and to blend in with the area, a number of climbing plants will be used. These will be achieved by using steel wires to make the building blend in with the surrounding landscape.