National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured a resolution to grant planning permission from Oxford City Council on behalf of Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) to create a modern and highly energy-efficient life sciences building, known as ‘Ascent’, at its ARC Oxford campus in Cowley. Ascent will provide approximately 105,000 sq
The eagerly anticipated Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark has now received its first intake of students. The £15.4m state-of-the-art facility provides world-class educational opportunities for future generations of the aerospace industry. Procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works and delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F
Chesterford Research Park will soon enhance its offering to the life science community in the Cambridge Cluster with a new, state-of-the-art multi-occupancy laboratory building. Glencar, recently ranked among Europe’s fastest-growing companies, has been selected by Chesterford Research Park, to build a new multi-occupancy, fully fitted laboratory and office building. The
Drone footage at Milton Park shows construction is well underway on Nebula, a £40m research and development (R&D) scheme. Following a ground-breaking ceremony with Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP earlier in the year, a drone fly-through shows one of the three Nebula buildings timber beams have been put in place.
Oxford North, the new innovation district in Oxford, has reached its highest point in construction and topped out its first phase with the Red Hall’s new cantilever roof lowered into place and two new lab buildings’ steel frames completed. Oxford North is the new £700 million innovation district in Oxford
Sisk has been selected by Moderna as its preferred bidder for the fit-out of its new UK drug substance and manufacturing facility at the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC), located on the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing
Leading building and civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction has completed a new £37m Keynsham Recycling Hub for client Bath & North East Somerset Council, on time and on budget. The significant project involved the development of a modern facility offering a range of services that have made it easier for
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has been instructed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to act as planning consultants in the preparation of a planning application for a new herbarium building at the Thames Valley Science Park at Shinfield just south of Reading. The new facility is intended to maintain and
Family-run developer, Muir Construction, has officially completed a state-of-the-art innovation hub for Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in Inverness, which was opened this week by HRH The Princess Royal The all-newRural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) is located at the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Inverness Campus – which forms the heart
Hartwell Plc, the automotive and property development company, has unveiled emerging designs to deliver new carbon efficient lab and workspace buildings for small and medium sized science and technology companies and amenities at Wootton Science Park to the south-west of Oxford. Hartwell has owned the park since 1975 and built
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has secured a resolution to grant planning permission from Oxford City Council on behalf of Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) to create a modern and highly energy-efficient life sciences building, known as ‘Ascent’, at its ARC Oxford campus in Cowley. Ascent will provide approximately 105,000 sq ft of lab-enabled office space alongside supporting facilities. This will include a rooftop lounge, wellness spaces, a gym and ‘end-of-trip’ facilities. The new building will be delivered alongside enhancements to the wider landscape, including improvements to an adjacent footpath. The 1.3-hectare (3.2 acre) site was previously occupied by several office buildings which are being replaced by a new building that delivers a step change to the architectural quality of the Campus in alignment with ARC’s strategic vision for ARC Oxford. Steven Sensecall, Partner at Carter Jonas in Oxford commented, “This fantastic new building will make a major contribution to the supply of life science buildings in Oxfordshire. “This is the first of many exciting proposals we are helping ARC bring forward at ARC Oxford, which will enable the transformation of the site into an innovation campus, reflecting its position as an internationally, nationally and regionally important anchor site.” Dan Williams, ARC Oxford’s Director of Asset Management, said: “We’re delighted to have secured planning permission for Ascent. This transformational project will provide a new home for businesses of all types including leading science and tech organisations. This latest development at ARC Oxford further supports our mission in attracting world class talent, driving economic growth, and fostering continuous support for the innovation ecosystem in the City.” Construction is due to commence on site in July 2024 and the scheme is anticipated to be completed in early 2026. In addition to providing planning consultancy services on the project Carter Jonas’ Planning & Development team also provided an economic statement and coordinated the public engagement. Additionally, Carter Jonas’ Sustainability team provided advice on the preparation of a Social Value Strategy. In achieving planning success, Carter Jonas worked alongside Spratley & Partners (architects) and Macregor Smith (landscape architects). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The eagerly anticipated Air and Space Institute (ASI) in Newark has now received its first intake of students. The £15.4m state-of-the-art facility provides world-class educational opportunities for future generations of the aerospace industry. Procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Major Construction Works and delivered by Midlands-based contractor, G F Tomlinson, the new ASI facility provides a unique opportunity for students aged 16-18 to train for pilot, engineer and ground-crew roles in airlines, the military, airports and logistics companies across the UK and abroad. The new three-storey college building constructed for Newark College, which is part of the Lincoln College Group, sits adjacent to the Newark and Sherwood District Council offices on the former Cattle Market and is only the second of its kind to be built in the UK. The facility provides high tech training for the air and space industry, accommodating a full-sized Airbus A318 for enhanced hands-on teaching experience, alongside a double height entrance hall, large open space hangar, flight simulators, teaching zones, engineering workshops, lecture and seminar areas. It is anticipated that the building blueprint could form a model for future establishments of this type, across other areas of the UK. Introducing a full-sized commercial aeroplane into the building posed a number of complexities including ensuring the installation was successfully implemented within the tight tolerances of the building. The initial brief was just a section of the fuselage to be placed into the building. Through collaborative innovation with the client and designers on how the plane would be supported on specially designed wheel mounts, we were able to install the Airbus A318 as a whole unit, enhancing the learning experience for students. G F Tomlinson sourced specialist advice from a private Flight Director who provided industry expertise to collaboratively assist with the permanent installation in the hangar. The aircraft was transported from the Air Salvage International base in Cirencester and travelled 110 miles by police escort to Newark. Prior to arrival, reinforced concrete pads and beams were installed to strengthen the floor slab and a specialist hydraulic gantry was erected within the building to lift the fuselage from the low loader and temporarily suspend and support the aircraft mid-air. Specially designed structural steel supporting systems were manufactured and installed to stabilise and take the weight of the aircraft, fixing it in its final position. G F Tomlinson used BIM technology software from the conception of the scheme, to digitally map the complex build which comprised numerous articulated angles. Using world coordinate systems for its design and construction, the software allowed the contractor and client to work the design and use real time updates to navigate through all fundamental stages towards completion. This software helped ensure the plane installation could be completed accurately, with tolerances down to millimetres. Sustainability was an integral part of the project, with initiatives such as five air source heat pumps, two air handling units and three extracts incorporated within the building to reduce the overall energy building requirements. During the project, 1140 car miles were driven using low-emission vehicles and we sourced 92% local spend and 92% local labour within 40 miles of site. 135.53 tonnes of wood waste materials were rescued from the waste stream and 99.3% of site waste was recycled, aligning with the target of offsetting carbon during the project, in line with the Government’s Net Zero agenda. G F Tomlinson provided £25,315,802 of Total Social Value opportunities for the local community, which was calculated using social impact software, Loop. This included organised site visits, regular newsletters and career talks with students from nearby schools. 228 hours of work experience placements, 948 apprentice hours and 723 local student engagements were provided. Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It’s been an honour to turn Lincoln College Group’s vision into a reality, providing a world-class training facility for young people going into the aerospace industry. “We worked closely with the client using the latest technology and specialist advice to ensure the seamless construction of the new campus building and the installation of the large commercial aircraft for educational purposes – consulting with third party experts to manage the transportation and stabilisation of the aircraft to its final fixed position.” Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a huge moment not just for Newark but the whole district. We now have an amazing world-class training centre right in the heart of our community which will be giving local students opportunities to pursue successful and inspiring careers like they’ve never had before. “This goes beyond just education but will create exciting developments for our local community. It will provide employment opportunities and boost our local economy and will be home to over 200 students each year. “It will directly create almost 40 new jobs for the area and importantly will create many more over the coming generations to those wanting to embark on careers and pathways into better skilled, well-paid jobs in the civil and military aviation industries. “The ASI has all been made possible thanks to the successful Newark Town Board bid for £25m as part of the Government’s Towns Fund initiative in 2019 and it’s been great to see students already studying at the site after years of planning and construction.” Tom Marsden, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Lincoln College Group, said: “We are thrilled with the exceptional work done by GF Tomlinson and their team of contractors in constructing our new state-of-the-art facility. “Their dedication and expertise have truly transformed the space into a cutting-edge hub for education and training that will benefit not only the students of Newark but also the entire surrounding region. We are excited to see the positive impact this facility will have on our community for years to come.” David Llewellyn, head of construction and infrastructure at Pagabo Group, said: “Our goal is always to make procurement simple, effective and compliant, and this type of large-scale project is the
Chesterford Research Park will soon enhance its offering to the life science community in the Cambridge Cluster with a new, state-of-the-art multi-occupancy laboratory building. Glencar, recently ranked among Europe’s fastest-growing companies, has been selected by Chesterford Research Park, to build a new multi-occupancy, fully fitted laboratory and office building. The 60,000 sq ft, three-storey building set within the Park’s superb 250-acre parkland environment is set to meet burgeoning demand within the Cambridge life sciences cluster. The Sidney Sussex building will accommodate a mix of laboratory and office space in its multi-occupier design. Intended to meet both current and future needs, the facility will offer flexible suites ranging from 2,226 sq ft to 8,409 sq ft within a beautifully landscaped setting, encouraging both the expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new enterprises. Designed by architect BCRI, the building allows for the combination of spaces to accommodate larger requirements. Features include open-plan write-up/admin areas, benching, lifts, storage rooms, and shower facilities, centred around a communal, light-filled atrium with a dedicated reception area. Sustainability is at the core of the design, with renewable energy sources, efficient structural uses, and daylighting strategies to minimise carbon emissions. Ecological enhancements will include significant tree planting, bird and bat boxes, and a new pond, promoting biodiversity and offering green spaces for occupiers. Construction began at the end of May with project completion anticipated by October 2025. Glencar CEO Eddie McGillycuddy expressed enthusiasm about the project: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of Chesterford’s ambitious expansion plans. This project is not only a testament to our growing expertise in life sciences construction but also a significant addition to our portfolio, following other successful projects we have delivered and are delivering currently at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.” Julian Cobourne, Head of Regional Investment Management at Aviva Investors, added: “We are pleased to continue progress in the creation of the Sidney Sussex Building, which will significantly enhance the breadth and depth of facilities at Chesterford Research Park. We believe this will reinforce the Park’s reputation as a leading location for some of the leading global names in life science, enabling our existing community to continue growing here whilst also attracting new occupiers. We are pleased to play a part in supporting the UK life science sector and continuing to invest into the Cambridgeshire region.” Chesterford Research Park, co-owned by Aviva Investors and Uttlesford District Council and advised by Savills and Cheffins, continues to be a hub for innovation, home to companies like Arecor, AstraZeneca, and Illumina. For more information, visit https://www.chesterfordresearchpark.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Drone footage at Milton Park shows construction is well underway on Nebula, a £40m research and development (R&D) scheme. Following a ground-breaking ceremony with Science Minister Andrew Griffith MP earlier in the year, a drone fly-through shows one of the three Nebula buildings timber beams have been put in place. The video shows the scale of the structural frame being built by Barnwood, which features sustainably sourced and recyclable glue-laminated (glulam) timber beams in place of steel. Targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A sustainability standards once finalised, Barnwood and Milton Park are also working together to minimise the scheme’s environmental impact during construction. Barnwood will intercept and donate surplus wood to RAW Workshop, an Oxfordshire-based social enterprise employing a range of people, many of whom are experiencing mental health issues, addiction and homelessness. The surplus will be recycled in RAW’s workshop and through its education programmes, helping to minimise the environmental impact whilst maximising social value. Nebula will offer just under 80,000 sq ft space for science, technology and advanced engineering companies alike. The building units range from 6,000 to 30,000 sq ft, combining flexible R&D space with high quality CAT A office accommodation. Kathryn Andrew, Development Manager at MEPC Milton Park, said: “It only felt like yesterday that we were finalising the CGIs of what Nebula would look like, but the fly-through really brings the project to life and showcases the full scale and potential of the development. “Once complete, Nebula will offer adaptable R&D space, providing significant flexibility for any future occupier’s needs. We’re looking forward to sharing more updates in the coming months as the development progresses.” Dave Piper, Joint Managing Director, Barnwood Limited, said: “It has been incredibly rewarding to utilise innovative and more sustainable materials like glulam on the Nebula project, and see the structures come to life in recent weeks. “One of our objectives is to ensure we minimise our environmental impact through the materials we use. We’re pleased to be working with RAW who will be recycling off-cuts and surplus wood from site. We are also progressing new initiatives with MEPC to generate a positive impact from the constriction process and look forward to reporting back soon.” Commenting at the ground-breaking ceremony, Science Minister Andrew Griffith said: “This state-of-the-art facility will facilitate those achieving breakthroughs from engineering to life sciences, support skilled jobs here in Oxfordshire, and enhance the UK’s position as a science superpower.” Plans for Nebula were submitted for approval to the Vale of White Horse District Council via the Park’s Local Development Order (LDO), a 10-day LDO which simplifies the planning process and allows developments to be fast tracked. Working alongside Milton Park and Barnwood Limited as part of the project team are SRA Architects, ASA Landscape Architects, Ridge & Partners LLP (BREEAM, cost management, M&E, principal design, project management), Stantec (civil and structural engineering), William Downie Associates (utilities), Cundall (carbon consultant), CBRE (letting agent) and ProVision (planning). For more information or to enquire about Nebula, please visit: https://www.miltonpark.co.uk/availability/nebula-190-192-park-drive Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Oxford North, the new innovation district in Oxford, has reached its highest point in construction and topped out its first phase with the Red Hall’s new cantilever roof lowered into place and two new lab buildings’ steel frames completed. Oxford North is the new £700 million innovation district in Oxford and will deliver one million sq ft (92,903 sq m) of laboratories and workspaces for science and technology companies, 480 new homes, and amenities which will include a market square, hotel, nursery, cafe, bar and three public parks. The first three buildings, two acre central park and market square for pop-up markets, food vendors, sports and cultural events programme, are due to complete in Q2 2025. The Red Hall, a landmark building, will provide prime office space at the heart of the new district as a new shared workspace for local occupiers. Over five floors, the Red Hall’s ground floor will include a significant amount of amenity which will include a cafe-bar, event, meeting and community space, co-working spaces and retail units. The four upper floors will offer office space from 4,000 sq ft (371 sq m) to accommodate a range of science and innovation start-ups and SMEs. 1 & 2 Fallaize Street will be two laboratory buildings for companies which range from SMEs looking to grow, to larger corporate occupiers which need high specification new workspace. Each building will total 58,700 sq ft (5,453 sq m) NIA over four floors and mezzanine to offer space to generate ideas, collaborate and innovate. As a low-carbon district, the buildings will be all-electric and energy-efficient, powered by renewable sources and on-site photovoltaics, and will target BREEAM Excellent. Oxford North Ventures is the joint venture company of Thomas White Oxford, the development company of St John’s College, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Stanhope. The project has a resolute focus to ensure that Oxford North has a far-reaching positive impact on the local economy through the delivery of its Community Employment Plan. Since the project started, 1,067 construction jobs, of which 25% are currently locally based, and 22 new apprentices have been employed through the project’s three construction partners: Laing O’Rourke, Careys and The Hill Group. The new park and market square have been named after Professor Elizabeth Fallaize (3 June 1950 – 6 December 2009) who was a British academic, a leading scholar in French Studies and was pro-vice chancellor (education) of the University of Oxford. Professor Fallaize was educated at Dame Allan’s School, Newcastle upon Tyne. After graduating with First Class honours in French from the University of Exeter in 1972, she was appointed in 1975 as a lecturer at the School of Languages at Wolverhampton Polytechnic, before moving to Birmingham University’s French department in 1977. In 1989 she was appointed a fellow of St John’s College, Oxford, the first woman ever to hold this post, and played a leading role in the establishment of the Women’s Studies masters course. Victoria Collett, development director, Thomas White Oxford said: “Generations of undergraduate and graduate students benefited from Professor Fallaize’s teaching and scholarship. She was proud of and deeply committed to the College, enthusiastically supporting her peers and students, taking on many roles within both the College and University. Today we are proud that her spirit will live on at Oxford North.” David Camp, chief executive officer, Stanhope said: “Our ‘topping out’ is a significant milestone for delivering Oxford’s new innovation district. Our thanks to the many people involved in reaching this moment. We are building a new sustainable district for Oxford, purposefully designed to enable the next century of life-changing discoveries in science and technology.” “With major advances happening on our doorstep, we need spaces which enable such discovery. We’re delivering new labs and workspaces, surrounded by public parks, amenities and public art for people living, working and visiting here, which will open in Q2 2025. We are talking to a number of exciting companies from start-ups to SMEs to larger corporates about joining us, as they need space to grow, rooted in Oxford.” Charles Rowton-Lee, head of commercial agency, Savills Oxford added: “The current demand from science and tech companies needing workspace in Oxford is currently 650,000 sq ft with limited availability. With Oxford North delivering stunning new flexible lab and workspace ready this time next year, in a prime location with access to amenities, talent and transport connectivity, we have significant interest from a range of companies. They are either already based in Oxford or are looking to move into Oxford’s thriving ecosystem which brings together academia and industry to deliver discoveries that will benefit us all.” Acting on behalf Oxford North Ventures are Fletcher Priest Architects, Gustafson Porter + Bowman, Townshend Landscape Architects, Buro Happold, Savills, Turner Townsend Alinea, Gardiner & Theobald, Hoare Lea, Stantec, AKT II, Contemporary Art Society Consultancy, Endpoint, Spacecraft Consulting and Storey Consulting. Watch Oxford North’s topping out drone footage c.30 secs: Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sisk has been selected by Moderna as its preferred bidder for the fit-out of its new UK drug substance and manufacturing facility at the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC), located on the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire. The MITC development will encompass a research, development and manufacturing facility, providing the UK public with access to mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 and potentially other emerging respiratory health threats. When complete the facility will have capacity to produce up to 250 million vaccines per year in the event of a pandemic, bolstering the UK’s future pandemic resilience strategy. Construction on site has already begun with the facility expected to become operational in 2025, subject to planning and regulatory approvals. This win cements Sisk’s Life Sciences & Technology team in the heart of the UK’s biopharma-rich ‘golden triangle’ between London, Oxford and Cambridge. Harwell is the UK’s leading science and innovation campus, where government, academia and industry work together to solve the critical problems facing our planet. The campus is home to £3bn national facilities and 6,000 colleagues committed to scientific discovery and understanding. Donal McCarthy, COO, Life Sciences, Data & Tech, Sisk said: “Sisk is pleased to announce that we have won our first major life sciences project in the UK. We have a demonstrable track record of working with key US blue chip clients in Ireland and across Europe. After some key appointments internally, we now have the capability to bring this skillset to the UK. We look forward to delivering a world class facility for Moderna and growing our Life Sciences offering across the UK.” Nicolas Chornet, Senior Vice President for Resilience Operations and MITC Site Head at Moderna, said: “Construction of the MITC is well underway and we are delighted to collaborate with Sisk on this vital phase of the project. Upon completion, the facility will leverage cutting-edge mRNA technology to develop innovative vaccines for the UK public and we look forward to contributing to the UK’s dynamic life science sector through the onshoring of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading building and civil engineering contractor Farrans Construction has completed a new £37m Keynsham Recycling Hub for client Bath & North East Somerset Council, on time and on budget. The significant project involved the development of a modern facility offering a range of services that have made it easier for residents to recycle and help reduce general waste and operational costs. The four-hectare site includes a reuse shop for people to donate pre-loved items for resale and an MOT and Servicing Centre. While the Reuse and Recycling Centre opened to the public in April 2023, Phase 2 of the project continued throughout the year with the demolition of the old Pixash Recycling Centre. Additional construction works in this phase included the development of new operational infrastructure for waste and recycling collections and bulk transfer to processing or treatment sites and a significant installation of sorting and baling equipment for recyclables. Phase 2 was completed in January this year. Clare Taylor, contracts manager at Farrans Construction, said: “Our team has been proud to deliver Keynsham Recycling Hub, a state-of-the-art facility which offers its visitors a truly sustainable experience by encouraging reuse and recycling in line with the council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency policy aims. With its own onsite power generation capabilities, this hub is an example of what can be created with innovation and collaboration. “We have worked with local partners in Keynsham and the wider B&NES region to provide employment and training opportunities, engage in educational and community initiatives and support the local economy throughout the project. We worked with local supply chain, led construction workshops for 1,295 school children and donated over £4,000 to charities in this area. We have had a growing presence in the Bath and Bristol region over the last decade and we are continuing our work here on site at a large public transport hub at Bristol Airport with our JV partner Alun Griffiths.” Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “The investment in construction of the purpose-built, modern Keynsham Recycling Hub and the consolidation of collections, disposal and recycling processing operations will help to reduce general waste and operational costs and ensure the service can meet current pressure and future demand from an increasing population.” Information on the new reuse and recycling centre can be found on the council website including directions and a layout of the new site. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
National property consultancy Carter Jonas has been instructed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to act as planning consultants in the preparation of a planning application for a new herbarium building at the Thames Valley Science Park at Shinfield just south of Reading. The new facility is intended to maintain and protect Kew’s preserved plant collection of over 7m dried plant specimens for future generations. It will provide space for future growth of these collections, as well as a more efficient and sustainable building which will deliver value for money. As a world-class herbarium, the facility will ensure the usability of the collections for biodiversity research and provide the flexibility to respond to future needs. The move to the TVSP site will additionally enable the redevelopment of the Kew Gardens site for improved and expanded research, education, and public engagement facilities, enhancing the global impact of RBG Kew’s work. The estimated net construction cost is £100m. The project will be completed in line with RBG Kew’s sustainability strategy, Climate Positive by 2030: urgently tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis which is based on a commitment to achieve or better the RIBA 2030 Challenge, LETI Operational Energy and Embodied Carbon Targets, BREEAM Outstanding, and the wider RIBA Sustainable Outcomes. Nicky Brock, Partner, Planning and Development, Carter Jonas Oxford, commented, “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to prepare this planning application. The new herbarium project will enable RBG Kew to continue its unparalleled work in botanical research and, importantly, increase accessibility to this wealth of knowledge. With the benefit of a comprehensive sustainability strategy, the new facility addresses significant global issues and we look forward to a positive resolution.” Mark Rushworth, Project Director at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew commented, “We are delighted to appoint Carter Jonas to join our project team to deliver our new Herbarium at Thames Valley Science Park in Reading, which is promoted by the University of Reading. The project is critical to support our mission to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on earth. We are very much looking forward to joining the British Museum and the National History Museum who are also located at the site.” It is anticipated that the planning application will be submitted in December 2024. In the meantime, Carter Jonas is working with the project team in the preparation of the application, liaising with the council officers and local stakeholders, and public and stakeholder consultation later in the year. It is hoped that planning consent will be granted in May 2025. Carter Jonas’ Planning team will work closely with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (architects) and Gardiner and Theobald (project, cost and construction management). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Family-run developer, Muir Construction, has officially completed a state-of-the-art innovation hub for Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) in Inverness, which was opened this week by HRH The Princess Royal The all-newRural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) is located at the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Inverness Campus – which forms the heart of the Scottish Highlands’ thriving bioscience sector. The building was designed by Threesixty Architecture, Narro Associates and Rybka, and project managed by Currie & Brown, assisted by cost consultants Thomson Gray, who all collaborated closely with Muir Construction throughout the delivery of the project. Enhancing energy-efficiency, Muir Construction worked closely with the centre’s designers and structural engineers to incorporate a number of passive design measures throughout. The structure has been designed using hybrid mass timber and steel frame, with bespoke insulated timber components with fire protective qualities manufactured by Muir Construction’s sister company – Muir Timber Systems – exceeding strict building standards and complementing the raw, natural feel of the building’s interior. The new facility provides a modern knowledge cauldron to enhance collaborative learning and development. This offers an exciting and inspiring space in which academia, business and research and development can come together to drive forward the latest industry innovations. This also supports the growth of Scotland’s life sciences sector on a global scale. SRUC teams based in Inverness, including consultants, researchers and members of Vet Services, will all be located at the facility with a key focus on animal health, infectious disease control and zoonotic disease research. It will also build key connections in human health through close collaboration with NHS Highland and University of the Highlands and Islands. The centre is also set to bring a number of economic benefits to the wider community, using technology and big data expertise to create new jobs and support new and existing businesses in the industry. With distinctive cladding around its exterior, the building’s one-of-a-kind 11,450 square foot design is centred around a vibrant atrium. This brings all aspects of the facility together to encourage social interaction, and focuses on the use of height, colour and natural materials. Full height glazing maximises daylight and creates a welcoming environment for visitors. The building comprises superb new lecture, workshop and community events spaces. These are designed to enhance knowledge sharing by facilitating industry talks, presentations and showcasing of the latest innovations. A necropsy suite for wildlife, main office areas and high-quality laboratory spaces located in “The Blue Jewel” – recognised through its rich colour and spacious surroundings – have also been incorporated to support the development of new products and services, as well as industry-focused research. Martin Smith, CEO of Muir Group, said: “We’re thrilled to have played a key role in bringing this new, exciting bioscience facility to Scotland. The project had an extremely unique brief and we’re delighted to have gone above and beyond to exceed our client’s expectations. Seeing HRH The Princess Royal open this facility demonstrates just how important this new building will be for the Highlands. Patrick Reel, Managing Director of Muir Construction, said: “The requirements for the centre provided a great opportunity to bring several of our divisions at Muir together, to not only build the exceptional facility, but also create bespoke high performance timber panelling that creates a distinctive feature throughout. “Using building materials with lower embodied carbon and working with the design team to create a space that uses less energy, we have created a building that is truly sustainable. “This exciting building will play a major role in bringing local organisations together. It provides a high quality facility which will make a great impact across the country’s science industry for years to come.” SRUC Principal and Chief Executive Wayne Powell said: “We are delighted with our state-of-the-art Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre, which will enable us to build new links between science and industry to help address planetary health challenges and grow the natural economy. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and was central to the building’s design, reflecting SRUC’s commitment to preserving natural resources.” Richard Scott, Project Architect at Threesixty Architecture, said: “High sustainability targets and our people first approach, combined with strong concepts informed the design of this project to successfully create an all-encompassing space in which academia, research and development can thrive together. “Working collaboratively with Muir Construction, Muir Timber Systems, SRUC and all our partners, we’re excited to see this ambitious vision come to life and we’re confident it provides a dynamic collaborative space for everyone to enjoy. Collaborating with both Muir Construction and Muir Timber Systems was a key factor in creating such a truly unique building that will play a significant role in SRUC’s future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hartwell Plc, the automotive and property development company, has unveiled emerging designs to deliver new carbon efficient lab and workspace buildings for small and medium sized science and technology companies and amenities at Wootton Science Park to the south-west of Oxford. Hartwell has owned the park since 1975 and built the first office building in 2005. It has recently practically completed Origin, a two-storey CL2 laboratory building. The proposed £35 million Scott Brownrigg-designed masterplan will deliver circa 106,233 sq ft (9,869 sq m) across five new commercial buildings along with connected amenities and facilities for future employees and the surrounding community, which will include high quality landscaped areas, secure bike storage, a bistro and gym. The landscape architecture and ecology designs have included carefully planned green spaces, sustainable features, and intentional coexistence with the surrounding natural environment. Cycle storage and car parking will be provided in accordance with the highway’s authority. James Hilton, property director, Hartwell Plc said: “With an unprecedented increase in the University of Oxford’s spinout companies involved in life sciences, quantum, AI, sustainability and more, we believe that the park’s future lies in answering the demand for high-quality grow-on lab and workspace and providing amenities to not only support those working here in their innovation and discovery, but also the wider community. “Our masterplanning work has focused on creating a well-rounded environment that caters to both physical and social needs, enhancing the working environment, and promoting wellbeing for all those who work here and visit. “The masterplan in both the construction and occupation phases will deliver jobs while fostering innovation and creating a new place for the whole community. We encourage the community to find out more about our plans and to have their say.” The public consultation opens online on Monday 18 March 2024 until Thursday 18 April 2024. An in-person public consultation event is to be held on Thursday 21 March 2024 from 4pm to 8pm in Origin at Wootton Science Park. Wootton Science Park is accessed by the A420 or A34 and is well located for Oxford, the county’s many science and business parks. The consultant team is Scott Brownrigg, Gerald Eve, IMA, Macfarlane and Associates, Aspect Ecology and Hoare Lea. View the exhibition boards and have your say: www.wootton.science/haveyoursay Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
