ISG has been awarded the prestigious fit out scheme for Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) first office and exhibition space outside London at Liverpool’s Mann Island. The new architecture centre is the latest win for ISG on the renowned Liverpool waterfront, with the contractor currently delivering the final elements of the £66+ million Exhibition Centre Liverpool and Pullman Hotel development.
Commencing on site in September, RIBA’s new northern base is set to become a key destination for everyone inspired by the built environment. The visitor experience will showcase RIBA’s world-class collections and become a focal point for those interested in the development plans of Liverpool and beyond.
ISG will undertake significant alterations to the existing internal layout of the striking Building Two structure at Neptune Development’s Mann Island site, and create a new dedicated entrance for RIBA staff and visitors. Occupying two floors of the building, which sits within a Unesco World Heritage Site, the contractor will install a new passenger lift and feature staircase to link the ground floor and first floor mezzanine level, which will also be extended to provide additional office space.
Inspirational design and high-quality execution is a key theme of the fit out programme, and the ground floor transformation includes the installation of a six metre tall seamless spine wall in RIBA’s ‘blaze red’ brand palate. This will define the route to the first floor and the high-specification ground floor café area, which will help drive additional footfall into the building.
In addition to the creation of museum standard exhibition space, ISG will deliver a City Gallery, which will become the permanent home for the Liverpool City model and a venue showcasing development plans for the region. The facility also includes lecture and conferencing facilities, majority open plan office accommodation and a retail outlet.
Danny Murray, ISG’s Northern regional managing director, commented: “It is fitting that RIBA has chosen such an iconic location for its first architecture centre outside London. As a business, we have a strong pedigree creating innovative spaces that encompass multiple activities, and just like The Crystal in London’s docklands, RIBA’s Mann Island base will perform perfectly as an office, leisure destination and location for public engagement.”
