AstraZeneca – Quality Assurance Building

The original AstraZeneca Quality Assurance Building (QAB1) was designed and constructed by Austin in 1990.

Following the success of this original facility, Austin was commissioned to undertake a development of the existing facility in phases.

This facility, and its building services, were reaching the end of their serviceable life and in need of an upgrade to meet current facility standards.

Austin was commissioned to perform a feasibility study to the following brief (these items were critical success factors in the final brief):

• Increase the Quality Control testing capability for new and existing products whilst maintaining an existing operations.
• Upgrade the building services and utilities.
• Maintain high standards of safety, coordination and planning were required.
• Carry out construction and hand over within agreed timescales and budget

An upgrade programme was developed to meet the project brief resulting in three phases on three storeys totalling 4,500sq.m.

A three phase approach was agreed and implemented to maintain critical Quality Assurance activities, operational at all times.

Engineering and construction work included the design and installation of autoclaves, pure water and solvent collection systems, Class 2 cabinets, laboratory furniture, fume cupboards, the installation of upgraded HVAC equipment and the creation of a new goods and waste area.

The project was implemented using the AstraZeneca/Austin “Alliance Team” approach which encouraged a close working relationship with engineering contractors and users. This was to minimise and manage disruptive works and meet the project’s health & safety, quality, programme and cost targets.

Austin completed the project within the requirements of AstraZeneca’s brief.