The challenge was to centralise research activities at Alderley Park into a new facility which when combined with existing facilities, would provide improved support for AstraZeneca’s candidate drugs programme.

We were commissioned to replace the existing laboratories with a new facility on the same foot print due to “Green Belt” restrictions. In addition The Austin Company was to maintain the existing plant which serves adjacent buildings in the sub-basement of the existing laboratory.

We had to meet the following critical success factors:

• Conform to regulatory requirements.
• Provide improved functionality and
• efficiencies in the areas of:
  • Communication
  • Interfaces between functions
  • Co-location of staff
• Flexibility/adaptability (accommodate new technology).
• Project a “World Class” image and environment to retain and attract staff.
• Design a new facility compatible with long-term site vision.
• Maintain ongoing operations in adjacent facilities throughout the construction period.

The Austin Company performed a feasibility study with options that identified a solution which was developed for implementation.

The demolition of one floor and a roof plant area of an existing reinforced concrete building, left the lower floor level in place over an existing plant area serving adjacent buildings.

We strengthened the remaining structure and foundations within an operational plant room, before constructing a four-storey research facility totalling 11,400m², on top of the existing building.

The new facility is connected on three sides to existing units. Great care and planning had to be taken during the demolition and rebuilding to minimise disruption to these sensitive areas.

Team working created a positive `can do’ attitude and eliminated traditional adversarial arrangements through the AstraZeneca “Alliance Team” approach to project implementation.

This complex project met the client’s brief for purpose, safety, quality, time and cost.