The Soft Landings Conference 2016 highlighted a project that involved Sir Robert McAlpine handling all aspects, from staff relocation to equipment installation, resulting in a seamless handover to Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). Key personnel were identified for collaboration, involving regular design reviews, inspections, and training to ensure smooth operations of the new building. The process included ongoing support for energy monitoring and occupancy evaluations, demonstrating a commitment to long-term success and user engagement.

1. 1
Making buildings better
Soft Landings Conference 2016
Making Buildings Better
In association with
Birley Fields Project
John Ward
Soft Landings Case study

3. “This was a very different project as it was a Soft Landings project. In other words Sir
Robert McAlpine did absolutely everything. They relocated our staff, installed the
equipment, they did the AV, they managed everything. That meant there was nowhere
to hide because everything was their responsibility, but it meant for us it was a turnkey
solution and we just walked in to a perfect building”
Professor John Brooks, University Vice Chancellor

4. • Meeting with Client and their advisors
• Appointment of Soft Landings champions
• Develop Soft Landings proposal
• MMU selected shopping list from proposal
• Key Personnel were identified from
o Capital Projects
o Property services (Maintenance team)
o Facilities
o Security
o IT
o Catering

5. • Regular design reviews with MMU Property
Services
• Design sign off sessions
o Plant Rooms/Risers/Energy Centre
• Off site inspections with MMU and
compliance team
• Inspections and agreement of site mock ups
• Rigorous inspection process with MMU
appointed staff

6. • MMU involved in the commissioning process
• Commissioning witnessing with MMU
maintenance teams
• Training programme agreed in conjunction
with MMU.
• Rigorous inspection process with MMU
• Familiarisation sessions with MMU staff
• Soft landings meetings which increased in
frequency toward completion

7. • SRM located within completed MMU building
• Day to day assistance
• Resolving services related issues
• Education to MMU staff and maintenance
teams
• Assisting in technical changes with MMU
making direct orders
• Transfer of construction knowledge to the
building users

8. • Quarterly visits for year 1
• Bi annual for remaining 2 years
• Assist MMU in energy monitoring
• MMU to undertaken occupancy
evaluation survey
• Soft Landings Champions are still
involved in the process