MMU Institute of Sport

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) sought to establish a new Institute of Sport to support its expanding academic and athletic ambitions. The brief required transforming the former 1960s Student Union building on Oxford Road into a high-performance, flexible teaching and research facility. MMU wanted to integrate biomechanics labs, an MRI suite, an environmental chamber for altitude training, and an indoor running track into a sustainable and inclusive space that would serve elite athletes, students, staff, and the wider community.

G&T was appointed as project manager and employer’s gent . We worked collaboratively with BDP, Eric Wright, Deloitte, Curtins, Hoare Lea, and the university, guiding the project from demolition through to handover. We managed cost controls, procurement, programme scheduling, risk mitigation, and stakeholder coordination. Our input ensured the integration of specialist facilities—such as the MRI suite and environmental chamber—remained on budget and on time, while upholding MMU’s aspirations for excellence and long-term value.

The £12.5 million Institute of Sport on MMU’s Knowledge Corridor delivers a cutting-edge mix of sports science, teaching, research, and community facilities—including biomechanics labs, a full MRI suite, and an extreme climate environment chamber—all within the refurbished former Student Union. Certified to BREEAM 'Excellent', the building now serves as a flagship academic and athletic hub for the 2021/22 academic year, supporting MMU’s mission to foster multidisciplinary sport research, teaching, and participation.