Broughton Hub, Salford

Client: Broughton Hub
Type of works: supply of Benchmark’s facades

The new Broughton Hub in Salford has formed a colourful landmark for regeneration within the region thanks to Benchmark’s range of architectural facades.

Benchmark’s façades are available in a variety of standard and bespoke colours, textures and finishes; providing near limitless possibilities for exterior building design. Architects Urban Vision Partnerships Ltd used these options to full effect on the Community Hub, combining six different colours of satin finish Trespa Meteon panels, installed using a face-fix system to the Karrier panels using matching coloured rivets, to create a stunning upper level to the building.

The 8mm Trespa facades which were pre-fabricated from Kingspan’s Sherburn facility were selected in Sun Yellow, Pacific, Cyclam, Lavender Blue, Mineral Blue and Spring Green, installed in a portrait format to create a chequered effect.

The construction of the £7.3 million facility was overseen by main contractors Laing O’Rourke and forms part of Salford City Council’s wider plans for redevelopment within Higher Broughton, with the Hub aimed at providing a centre point to the local community by offering a range of social and sport services.

Advanced Roofing were responsible for installing the 650m2 of panels on the Hub. Senior projects manager Tony Green said: “In our experience, Benchmark’s panels allow buildings to be clad in a very efficient and time saving manner. A good example of this is that Benchmark facades are provided ready drilled and cut, limiting the need for us to carry out on-site cutting. The Karrier panels also offer a simpler alternative to using a site-assembled rainscreen, allowing the structure to be quickly insulated and made watertight so that the internal fitting can begin.”

The panels not only provide the Hub with a vibrant exterior but help to form a resilient outer surface which is extremely weather resistant and virtually maintenance free. They are also highly thermally efficient, contributing towards the buildings BREEAM rating and boosting its green credentials.

Broughton Hub houses a range of community facilities including a library, Children’s Centre, café and several meeting rooms. It also provides a number of sports facilities including two grass pitches, a flood-lit all weather games area and the only purpose built trampoline hall in the north of England.