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Systemair ventilation upgrade for Manchester Aquatics Centre
A high-performance ventilation solution designed to transform a demanding aquatic environment through energy efficiency, precision control, and intelligent system design.
Manchester Aquatics Centre, UK
Engineered for demanding aquatic environments
The ventilation strategy was designed to address the complex conditions of an aquatic facility, including high humidity levels, corrosive chloramine exposure, and fluctuating occupancy. The solution ensures stable environmental control to protect both the building structure and occupant comfort.
Modular design overcoming access constraints
A key challenge was restricted access to the underground plantroom via a 4 m × 4 m opening, alongside a maximum installation height of 3.2 m. All units were carefully modularised to allow transportation through this access point and assembled on site without compromising performance.
Integrated system delivering efficiency and reliability
By combining pool-specific and general ventilation systems, Systemair delivered a fully integrated solution capable of managing both high latent loads and general building ventilation requirements.
- Europe
- Location
Manchester, UK
- Applications
Leisure / Aquatic
- Project
Refurbishment and replacement of ventilation systems at Manchester Aquatics Centre
- Client / Contractor
NG Bailey
- Systemair supplies
Menerga pool air handling unit, Systemair Geniox air handling units, and integrated control systems
Upgrading a legacy aquatic facility
Manchester Aquatics Centre, originally constructed for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, is one of the UK’s most demanding aquatic environments. After more than two decades of continuous operation, the existing air handling units had reached end-of-life, resulting in reduced thermal efficiency, corrosion, and unstable airflow performance.
Systemair was selected to support the mechanical upgrade, delivering modern, energy-efficient ventilation solutions engineered to meet current performance standards while integrating seamlessly with the facility’s updated Building Management System (BMS).
Photo © Pit-yacker, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Scope of works
Systemair’s scope included the full replacement of legacy air handling units serving both pool and non-pool areas. This involved supplying a dedicated Menerga AHU for the main pool hall, alongside Systemair Geniox units for ancillary and non-pool spaces, all integrated with the building’s heating systems and BMS.
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Specialist AHU solution for aquatic environments
For the main pool hall, a Menerga air handling unit was selected to manage high latent loads and provide precise humidity and temperature control. The system incorporates high-efficiency heat recovery, integrated dehumidification, and corrosion-resistant components to ensure long-term durability in a harsh environment.
Systemair Geniox units were deployed across non-pool areas, providing reliable and energy-efficient ventilation within the same constrained plantroom conditions. Their modular construction enabled on-site assembly while maintaining performance and flexibility.
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Adaptability during project delivery
The project required close coordination between Systemair and the contractor to ensure correct sizing, delivery sequencing, and installation within the restricted plantroom environment. Through careful planning and collaboration, all systems were successfully installed and commissioned.
Systemair worked closely with project partners throughout the installation process, ensuring that all equipment met specification requirements and was assembled efficiently within the spatial constraints of the site.
Project outcome
The Manchester Aquatics Centre refurbishment demonstrates Systemair’s ability to deliver high-performance ventilation solutions in complex and demanding environments. By combining advanced system design with modular construction and close project collaboration, the upgrade achieved significant improvements in environmental control, energy efficiency, and long-term operational reliability.
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Always by your side
Systemair Support
Our engineers, technicians, and customer service professionals are united with one shared purpose: To help everyone enjoy fresh, clean, regulated air – for optimal indoor health and comfort. But not at the expense of the environment.
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