Plot 9A First Street is a cutting-edge 10-story office block located in the centre of the city of Manchester, UK. Now fully let to the Government Property Agency, the building provides 130,000 ft2 of Grade A office space for civil servants and government officials. The building was designed with an emphasis on sustainability and has utilized the latest technologies to achieve net-zero carbon in operation standards. The project on First Street was managed by main contractor BAM Construction, building services specialists Briggs & Forrester and subcontracted to WHB, with Victaulic becoming involved in the early stages of the project. Having already established a strong relationship with Victaulic, WHB relied again on Victaulic solutions for Plot 9A First Street and took again advantage of a flamefree pipe joining solution for both the heating and chilled water systems.

Victaulic’s grooved pipe joining technology enabled the rapid installation of the piping systems in just two months’ time – up to ten times faster compared to welding. Victaulic products employed at Plot 9A First Street included QuickVic™ Style 107V rigid couplings, QuickVic™ V-Range Fittings, QuickVic™ Style 177N flexible couplings, butterfly valves, and strainers. Due to the lightweight design, ease of installation, and minimal labor requirements, mechanical pipe joining helped reduce both on-site time and safety risks. The system’s simplicity to install allowed the contractor to use local labor to carry out the installation without the need for any specialized skills. WHB, with 20 years of experience in construction across north-west England, have transitioned from relying heavily on welding to increasingly adopting Victaulic systems which offer speed, ease of installation, and safety benefits, due to no hot works required. Beyond addressing engineering challenges, Victaulic systems have proven invaluable in meeting cost efficiency and project timeline requirements. With grooved pipe joining systems that are considerably faster to install than traditional flame-based methods, Victaulic has become a trusted partner, offering a modern and reliable solution to mechanical engineers and contractors. Plot 9A First Street has emphasized sustainability throughout its construction, incorporating features that promote circularity and achieving an impressive 5.5-star NABERS rating. Victaulic’s products fit seamlessly into the project’s net-zero goals, and Plot 9A serves as an excellent example of how Victaulic can assist similar future builds aiming for sustainability. The products are made from up to 98% recycled material, install without emissions, allow for reconfigurable piping systems as building needs change over time, and are recyclable at end-of life, ensuring they contribute to both immediate and long-term sustainability goals. The longstanding collaboration between WHB and Victaulic underscores the value of speed, flexibility, and comprehensive support. WHB has praised the durability and ease of maintenance of Victaulic systems, describing them as a “go-to solution” for fast, reliable piping installations. The Plot 9A First Street development highlights the contribution of Victaulic solutions to the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of an exciting new office complex in the heart of Manchester. Victaulic’s innovative solutions have ensured Plot 9A First Street meets modern construction demands while setting a benchmark for sustainable, efficient building practices