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The Lowry Centre

Salford Quays, UK

º£½ÇÊÓƵ provided integrated engineering services for The Lowry, a striking arts and entertainment venue at the heart of Salford Quays’ regeneration.

Working closely with the design team, we helped realise the architect’s bold vision while overcoming complex technical challenges posed by the site’s waterside location and the building’s multifunctional use.

The Lowry opened in April 2000 and houses a multi-purpose centre with galleries for the paintings of L S Lowry and temporary exhibitions, a 1730-seat auditorium, a 466-seat adaptable theatre and an artworks gallery. It was designed to be an exciting place intended to encourage interactive play involving the arts.

The Lowry’s proximity to the Manchester Ship Canal meant the building risked buoyancy due to high water levels. Our experts addressed this by designing deep foundations using over 800 piles socketed into sandstone, ensuring long-term stability. Internally, the building’s varied spaces – including theatres, galleries, and public areas – demanded flexible and efficient environmental systems.

To support the architect’s vision and reduce energy use, our building services team developed an innovative cooling system using canal water, avoiding air-cooled chillers. This required careful coordination to manage water quality, silt levels, and intake positioning, with bespoke filtration and materials selected to withstand contamination and biological risks.

Our building services team also delivered solutions that improved operational efficiency and user comfort. Warm air from the theatre was redirected to prevent condensation on the foyer’s large, glazed surfaces, reducing energy demand and maintenance costs. Acoustic requirements for the performance spaces were met through advanced attenuation and insulation strategies, ensuring an immersive experience for audiences.

Since opening in 2000, The Lowry has become the most visited attraction in Greater Manchester, welcoming over 18.5 million visitors. Its presence was pivotal in the transformation of Salford Quays, catalysing one of Europe’s most successful regeneration projects. Today, The Lowry stands as a vibrant cultural hub – a place where creativity, community, and commerce converge – and a powerful example of how arts and engineering can shape thriving urban futures