May 2012 Events

“A Night at the Museum” Over 40 Facilities Management Professionals attend latest BIFM Lancashire Group Event.

On a baking hot spring day, the BIFM Lancashire Group held their third event of the year at the Imperial War Museum in Salford Quays

The museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind, is characterised by “three interlocking shards”, with sloping floors and ceilings and has been open since in 2002. Currently it receives between 2,000 – 3,000 visitors a day.

The event was hosted by Helen Robbins, Operations Manager at the museum and the museum was specifically kept open for the event. Attendees initially held a networking session, given a tour of the exhibition space (including watching a film presentation) and then shown how the museum is operated behind the scenes.

Of specific interest was “Canal Cooling System”, where the temperatures in the museum are regulated using a “free cooling” system from the adjacent Manchester Ship Canal. In the summer, cooler water from 3-4m below the canal surface travels through a series of plate exchangers to keep the building cool.

The event was rounded off by attendees going on to the 29 metre high viewing platform, with stunning views across the Quays, including the new BBC Media City development and Old Trafford football ground. Several particularly brave attendees also confirmed they would be back to have a go at the bi-annual zip wire event, which runs from the platform to the nearby Lowry Bridge.

After a summer break, the group’s next session will be in September and held at a Biffa Waste Transfer Station. It will have an Environmental theme, with expert guest speakers. Full details will follow in due course, through their Linked In page and Twitter (@BIFM_Lancs).

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