IGNITE THE FUTURE
Why long term partnerships are key
to transforming communities
The story of Gorton proves that when councils and contractors commit to true collaboration, the results go far beyond buildings…
If you're a local authority leader, the question isn't can you afford to invest in long-term partnerships - it's can you afford not to?
They ignite pride, opportunity, and lasting change. Now is the time to build partnerships that deliver real social value and shape the future of your communities. The story of Gorton proves that when councils and contractors commit to true collaboration, the results go far beyond buildings…
Click to watch the short film
Over the past eight years, Manchester City Council and Morgan Sindall Construction have delivered two transformative capital projects in Gorton: the £20m Gorton Hub and the £36m Hammerstone Road Depot.
These projects are not just physical landmarks, they are living proof of what happens when collaboration is rooted in trust, shared purpose, and long-term commitment.
As Councillor Julie Reed reflected, “You haven't just constructed buildings, you've breathed new life into Gorton. You've invested time, skills and heart in the people of Gorton that'll leave a legacy far beyond the buildings themselves.”
Barney Harle, Head of Major Projects, added: “The greatest strength was that the team worked as a team together and stuck with it.
What we need is for people to see the value of construction - the social value in terms of jobs, opportunity, and transformation.”
This is a massive milestone, and people are proud of this landmark building. We've repurposed a large building, so we've been able to save elements, which has saved us money, it's saved disruption and it's kept that pride. This was a complex project and there's been a lot of challenges and scope change, but Morgan Sindall stuck with it, stuck together and come up with measured solutions as well. The team took on board every challenge and responded positively to every challenge they were given and I'm proud of that. When you stand back and look what we have achieved over the two major projects, the partnership has been great and I'm proud of the way everyone has stuck together.
Originally a 19th-century locomotive shed, Hammerstone Road has been transformed into a modern municipal depot supporting refuse operations, council services, and Biffa’s fleet of 27 electric vehicles.
The project preserved the building’s industrial character while integrating cutting-edge sustainability.
Key innovations:
Retention of 700m³ of steelwork using cathodic protection saved 170 tonnes of carbon.
A 2,000-panel solar array - the largest in Manchester - generates 750,000 kWh annually.
Rainwater harvesting saves up to 20 million litres of water per year.
A “box-in-box” design achieved EPC Grade A and 70% energy efficiency improvement.
On time and budget£25m+ social value9/10 satisfaction
Click above to watch the film, or on the digital doc (left) to learn more detail about the scheme
The Gorton Hub is a purpose-built, three-story facility that co-locates GP practices, pharmacy, library, housing, adult education, and council services under one roof.
Designed to reduce carbon footprint and improve service efficiency, it was delivered on time, on budget, and with near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.
Early contractor involvement and open-book pricing saved £60k and streamlined design.
Whole Life Cost analysis led to sustainable features like solar panels, air source heat pumps, and thermal wheel heat recovery.
Over 175 independent inspections ensured quality and operational readiness.
A live Soft Landings tracker supported seamless post-completion care.
On time and budget£16m social value10/10 satisfaction
Click here to learn more
Gorton is rich in personality and the people are proud of the area. The industrial heritage is important, so to repurpose this building breathes new life back into the area. You haven't just constructed buildings here; you've breathed new life into Gorton - the transformation shows again the thoughtful development rooted in place. You've treated the history of the land with respect, whilst helping us to shape its future and it's not just bricks and mortar - the social value; everything we've asked for, we've pretty much got - local apprenticeships, jobs for residents, working with our schools and community groups. You've invested in skills, and heart, in the people of Gorton that'll leave a legacy far beyond the buildings themselves - thank you for your integrity, your professionalism and for believing in Gorton's potential.
These projects didn’t just build infrastructure - they built futures.
From the outset, social value was embedded as a core principle, not a box-ticking exercise.
Through ethical procurement, community engagement, and a shared vision for Gorton’s regeneration, Manchester City Council and Morgan Sindall delivered outcomes that tangibly improved lives.
These outcomes opposite show what’s possible when social value is treated as a strategic priority woven into every stage of design, delivery, and aftercare.
£41 million+ in verified social value across both projects.
650+ local people employed, with 90% workforce and 85% spend from Greater Manchester.
24 apprenticeships and T-Level placements, plus 190+ hours of student learning delivered through partnerships with Salford University, Manchester College, and others.
£7,321 raised for reforestation via recycled metals, supporting the City of Trees initiative.
200+ volunteering hours, including support for mental health initiatives like the Men’s Sheds project at Gorton Monastery.
£25 million in operational savings from solar energy at Hammerstone Road alone.
Gorton’s transformation is a blueprint for what’s possible when councils and contractors work as one.
These projects show that long-term partnerships deliver more than buildings; they deliver dignity, pride, and opportunity.
If you're ready to move beyond transactional contracts and embrace transformational partnerships, start now.
Choose collaborators who share your values, invest in your people, and build with purpose. Your community deserves nothing less.
Standing in the Gorton Hub today, I feel deeply connected to my past and incredibly hopeful for our future. This place is more than bricks and mortar - it’s a symbol of how far our community has come. Morgan Sindall didn’t just build a building; they helped build a legacy. What we’ve created here together has transformed lives, and I’m proud to say it’s changed mine too.”
