The contractor has reched financial close on the project, which will include integrated clinical and research spaces including labatories, lecture theatres and offices to be used by research teams from the Institute of Food Research, the university of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hopsitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The five-storey Quadram Institute development will be built in Norwich Research Park and will accommodate 400 scientists and clinicians.

Wates managing director Ian Vickers said the research centre will be a “vital facility” for innovation and advancing food and health research.

He said: “This project is undoubtedly significant for the development of science but is also set to be an incredible catalyst for the region in terms of creating opportunities for local people.”

Work on the five-storey Quadram Institute development is currently underway and the centre is expected to open in 2018.

This is the latest in Wates’ line of science and research construction work around East Anglia. The contractors are currently working on the University of Cambridge’s North West Cambridge Development, a new district in the city which will provide accomodation for University staff and students, academic and research facilities, private houses for sale and education and community facilities.

Other recent projects Wates have secured include a £30m campus development contract with Cumbria council and will help deliver the remainder of the multi-million-pound Wembley Park scheme along with Carillion, John Sisk & Son and McLaren.