Manchester Power Hall: UK Rail Heritage Reborn with Sustainable Tech

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Introduction

The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester will reopen Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery on Friday 17 October. This building, originally a shipping shed for the world’s first inter-city steam-powered passenger railway, is a Grade II listed structure and is part of a multi-million-pound regeneration project.

Historical Significance and Reopening

Power Hall initially opened in September 1983 and housed one of the UK’s largest collections of historic working engines. The hall temporarily closed in 2019 for repair works, a de-carbonisation project, and a reimagining of its displays. Upon reopening, the gallery will feature working machinery, interactive exhibits, and new stories related to Manchester’s industrial heritage. Visitors will experience iconic engines, including some running for the first time in over a decade, alongside new interactives and stories.

Exhibits and Features

The gallery will engage all senses, showcasing a collection of 19th and early 20th-century working engines powered by 21st-century, carbon-neutral infrastructure. Engines such as the Pender steam locomotive and the Durn Mill steam engine will be operational. A replica of the Planet steam locomotive, built in 1992 by volunteers, will also be on display. The hall will also feature new exhibits focused on individuals who have shaped the relationship with energy from the Industrial Revolution to greener futures. Interactive displays will allow visitors to participate in hands-on activities aimed at problem-solving.

Regeneration Project and Accessibility

The Power Hall project is part of one of the largest heritage restoration projects in the UK. The museum has collaborated with various groups and partners to develop the multisensory gallery. The project includes improved accessibility with accessible routes, digital 360˚ views, BSL interpreted videos, and tactile illustrations. The museum has worked with architect Carmody Groarke, building contractor HH Smith & Sons, exhibition designers Studio MUTT, and building service engineers Max Fordham. The vast new roof re-uses most of the original slates and has new insulated roof lights, windows, and doors, alongside the installation of a new electric boiler powered by a new water source heat network and new LED lighting.

Sustainability and Support

As part of its de-carbonisation program, the museum is using water from an underground aquifer to heat its buildings. The project aims to save 515 tonnes of carbon site-wide per year. The Power Hall project is supported by Andrew Law via AL Philanthropies, as well as the Wolfson Foundation, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Headley Trust, Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, Atmos International, The Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust, The Zochonis Charitable Trust, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Conclusion

Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery, part of the Science and Industry Museum, will reopen on Friday 17 October. The gallery offers free admission and features historic engines, new interactive exhibits, and a focus on the people behind industrial innovation, all within a Grade II listed building.

Company Summary

Science and Industry Museum: A museum located in Manchester dedicated to the history of science, technology, engineering, and industry.

Carmody Groarke: Architect.

HH Smith & Sons: Manchester building contractor.

Studio MUTT: Exhibition designers.

Max Fordham: Building service engineers.

AL Philanthropies: Andrew Law’s personal foundation.

Technology

No technology information was mentioned in the content.

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