In a recent renovation project, Push The Button (PTB) has breathed new life into the Royal Northern College of Music’s Student Space. The project aimed to modernise the venue, enhance electrical distribution, and revamp the lighting and infrastructure, maximising its potential.
The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), a merger of the Royal Manchester College of Music (founded in 1858) and the Northern School Of Music (established in 1920), has been an integral part of Manchester’s cultural heritage since its inception in 1972. By 2021 the Student Space, a cherished hub for both students and visitors, had started showing signs of age, necessitating a thorough update. This ambitious project was led by IPA’s Ian Palmer with the main contractor, GF Holdings.
Kitchen Electrical Distribution, Data and Infrastructure
The kitchen underwent a complete overhaul, demanding a strategic relocation, expansion, or replacement of its equipment. The first order of business was upgrading the electrical distribution. PTB achieved this by installing three Schneider Electric 16-way distribution boards, along with surge protection, a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) and a residual current breaker with over-current (RCOB). This crucial upgrade ensured compliance with BS7671:2018 standards. Furthermore, PTB replaced the existing infrastructure with proper containment, ensuring that each piece of equipment had the correct outlet.
The pre-existing data connections had organically evolved over the years and were neither suitably contained nor well-suited for future kitchen operations. PTB addressed this by installing 26 fresh data lines throughout the kitchen, optimising equipment connectivity and future-proofing the area. Additionally, the outdated method of switching the kitchen’s lighting from a single location using multiple switches was replaced by PTB with three contactors, enabling control from two separate locations through individual switches.
The Student Space
The Student Space is not your typical dining hall; it caters to students and visitors during the day and transforms into an entertainment and events venue in the evening. To infuse a more dramatic ambiance, the college sought a truss structure that would encompass the area with curtains, lighting and sound.
Collaborating with Unusual Rigging, PTB erected a 12.7m x 4.5m truss structure, fitted with three Triple E curtain tracks running along its perimeter. Two of these tracks now hold full-height black wool serge drapes, while the third supports a white voile. This truss also hosts an entirely new production light and sound infrastructure, featuring trunking fitted facility panels at various positions to provide full connectivity when and where needed.
PTB introduced an ETC Paradigm lighting control system, affording complete control over the Student Space’s lighting. This system enables preset recalls, timed programs, and advanced control via a conveniently placed touchscreen within the space. Furthermore, PTB extended the control to high-level working lights, enhancing energy efficiency through timed programs.
Six chandeliers and pendant lamps already lit the space, PTB retrofitted them with Astera Lighting lamps, offering DMX control and RGB colour mixing. The atmosphere was further enhanced with LED tape installations in various areas, including along the entire kitchen serving counter. Anolis Ambiane HP111 recessed RGBW 20-degree beam angle and XP56 recessed 45-degree beam angle fittings ensured full coverage of the space.
To ensure students and visitors could easily see what is on offer, a digital display board was added to the kitchen, consisting of six 43″ Samsung screens arranged above the serving area. Additionally, the space now boasts three 32″ Samsung screens with players for displaying the bar and sandwich menus.
The Royal Northern College of Music’s Student Space has been rejuvenated through an ambitious project facilitated by PTB. The refurbishment included modernising electrical distribution, updating infrastructure, and enhancing the lighting and sound systems to create a more dynamic and versatile environment. This renovation not only preserves the historical significance of the space but also ensures that it continues to be a hub for students and visitors alike, showcasing the college’s commitment to offering a contemporary and engaging experience.