Architectural, Lead Designer, and Contract Administration Services
Contract
Services for People’s History Museum
People’s History Museum (“the Museum” or “PHM”) invites suitably qualified, conservation-accredited architectural practices to tender for the provision of architectural, Lead Designer and Contract Administration services (Principal Designer for CDM 2015 purposes) from RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) through to project completion and handover (RIBA Stages 5–6). People’s History Museum is located at Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER.
The Museum is housed in a former hydraulic pump house which opened in 1909. Designated by Historic England as Grade II listed, it was designed by Manchester’s first City Architect, Henry Price, and comprises a brick and terracotta Engine Hall featuring vast arched windows, a vaulted glass roof, colourful Pilkington Tiles and intricate metalwork.
PHM has secured funding of £2.49 million through the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) to carry out urgent roof repairs to the Grade II listed Pump House building. The total project cost is anticipated to be £2.7 million. This funding underpins the full scope of works described in this ITT, including design costs and contingencies, and tenderers should note the reporting and governance obligations associated with publicly funded projects when preparing their submissions.
The successful practice will take on a technically demanding conservation project on a building of genuine architectural character and significance. For any practice with a commitment to heritage conservation and the cultural sector, this project represents a compelling addition to their portfolio.
The project brief was developed from a condition survey undertaken in early 2025, which identified a critical need for re-roofing due to persistent leaks causing substantial damage to the building fabric. Re-roofing and conservation repairs to the 1909 Pump House roofs will safeguard the long-term conservation of the historic fabric and maintain the building’s operational functionality as a museum and public space. Without intervention, the condition of the building will deteriorate further, placing the historic fabric, the museum collections, and the long-term future of the Museum at risk.
The scheme has been developed to RIBA Stage 3 by Donald Insall Associates. Detailed drawings are available upon request. Listed Building Consent has been granted by Manchester City Council (Application number PP-14368789).
The successful practice will work collaboratively with the Museum, the design team, stakeholders and contractors to deliver the project within the approved budget, programme and quality parameters.
The RIBA Stage 3 design has been prepared by Donald Insall Associates. The appointed practice will be required to develop and deliver the designs into a fully coordinated RIBA Stage 4 Technical Design package, including drawings, schedules, and specifications suitable for use in the procurement and construction of the works.
The appointed practice will be responsible for providing design input, technical clarification, coordination, and support throughout the construction and handover phases, including in their roles as Lead Designer, Principal Designer and Contract Administrator.
The works encompass the following elements:
Repair of Damaged Roof Structure
• Repair timber rafters and structural members affected by dry-rot and carry out structural repairs to metal trusses affected by water ingress.
• Insulate all roofs to reduce thermal loss and install modern roofing membranes.
• Install a man-safe system and compliant access ladders for future maintenance.
• Repoint high-level parapets and repair and replace coping stones where necessary to ensure a watertight condition.
• Rake out and patch-repoint high-level brickwork to the chimney and accumulator tower masonry using lime-based mortar.
Overhaul and Repair of Atrium
• Repair original fabric, including severely rotten timber framing and rusted Victorian metal casements.
• Upgrade existing glazing (much of which is cracked) to a new double-glazed system within the existing Victorian window frames and patent glazing roof system, to improve the thermal performance of the Engine Hall below.
• Restore the original opening mechanism to provide natural ventilation to the space below.
Targeted Gutter Works
• Replace lead gutters, ensuring detailing complies with current LSA standards.
• Increase gutter capacity where possible.
Works to Steel Water Tanks
• Drain, clear and inspect all four tanks and ensure drainage is functioning effectively.
• Waterproof tanks to prevent leakage into rooms below.
• Carry out any structural remedial works required to ensure the tanks are structurally sound.
High-Level and Associated Repairs
• Overhaul and repair windows to the accumulator tower to prevent water ingress
• Create a new access hatch into the chimney to allow future monitoring and maintenance of the internal fabric.
The scheme will be delivered in four phases due to the complexity of the site and the wish to retain functionality of some meeting spaces:
• Phase 1: Accumulator Tower
• Phase 2: Engine Hall and small roof above meeting room
• Phase 3: Conference Room and associated protruding asphalt roofs below
• Phase 4: Small flat roofs around service yard and water tanks.
Construction is expected to commence November 2026, with all spaces handed back by Summer 2028.
To view the brief in full, click here
If you would like to apply, please read the brief in full, download and complete the submission form here and return to ben.grogan@phm.org.uk with supporting documentation by Thursday 7th May 2026 at 5pm
Clarification deadline: Tuesday 28th April
Application deadline: Thursday 7th May, 5pm
Interviews: Wednesday 20th May
Appointment: Friday 22nd May