BURY-based ductwork giant Senior Hargreaves has taken centre stage in the construction of the new £23 million Manchester International Convention Centre.

The heating and ventilation systems supplier, based in Lord Street, provided a major contribution with ductwork for internal climate control and emergency systems for smoke removal.

Through a £500,000 contract, the company's fire-rated ductwork is now installed in all public areas and services the kitchens, workshops and areas beneath the multi-purpose hall.

These systems will capture heat and smoke and ensure its safe removal from the building.

Technically, says Senior Hargreaves, the project was challenging in several respects.

The quality environments demanded a high level of servicing but also required that plant noise and airflow should be unobtrusive. A company spokesman said: "These objectives were met by the use of carefully selected equipment to generate less noise, special acoustic sections in the ductwork and care with the design and placement of exhaust terminals to avoid harsh air movement."

The MICC is designed to meet the need of different activities and there are two main elements to the building.

These are the 800-seat auditorium and a 1,900 sq metre multi-purposes hall.

The auditorium provides sumptuous accommodation with theatre-style seating and a 250 sq metre stage.

Advanced lighting, sound system and acoustics make it a suitable venue for product launches, press conferences and conventions.

MICC is already attracting national and international attention and it will play a role within the 2002 Commonwealth Games as the venue for the weight lifting.