Bruntwood SciTech launches £20m Alderley Park lab revamp
Work has already been completed on the first phase of the 86,000 sq ft refurbishment, which will create high-specification laboratories, alongside breakout and presentation spaces at the Cheshire science and technology campus.
Designed by Fairhursts Design Group, the science space will feature high-specification biology and chemistry containment level two laboratory suites. These suites can be used for work that requires the use of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that present a medium risk to human health.
These labs are especially useful for companies working in drug discovery and development, infectious diseases, and oncology.
The revamped labs include breakout areas and meeting rooms to facilitate collaboration. Credit: Fairhursts Design Group
Kath Mackay, Director of Life Sciences, Bruntwood SciTech, said: “The life sciences sector is witnessing rapid and continued growth in the North West and the creation of these pioneering workspaces speaks to that demand.
“Our newly redeveloped laboratories are a step change from traditional lab environments as the industry sees a shift towards an ecosystem of workspace that offers opportunities for young, innovative companies to collaborate alongside sectoral leaders,” Mackay continued. “Alderley Park’s latest injection of high-quality biology and chemistry labs will further facilitate this.”
The first 36,000 sq ft of labs have now finished, with the remaining 50,000 sq ft anticipated to complete next month.
CGI showing what the fitted-out labs will look like. Credit: via Citypress
Regarding the lab revamp, Fairhursts Design Group director Laura Sherliker said: “The team has greatly enjoyed working with Bruntwood SciTech on this exciting and innovative development to deliver the highest quality specialist space for science businesses at Alderley Park.”
Stevie Leigh, head of interiors for Fairhursts, echoed Sherliker’s sentiments about the project.
“The interior design concept subtly links the materiality of existing architecture on the park and the palette of the surrounding farmland into a cohesive scheme,” Leigh said. “My team and I thoroughly enjoyed the process, from our initial vision for the space, through the design development and into the technical delivery.
“We’ve created something that we’re very proud of here and look forward to working with Bruntwood and the team again.”
Caddick Construction is the main contractor for the project, while Hilson Moran and Pitts Wilson provided MEP services. Booth King Partnership was the structural engineer.
The redeveloped lab spaces are part of Bruntwood SciTech’s £247m masterplan for Alderley Park. The masterplan also includes the creation of 200,000 sq ft of lab and office space.
Continual investment is key to Alderley Park’s success, according to Mackay.
“Alderley Park is already a world-leading campus for science and technology and a key location for the North’s thriving life sciences sector,” she said. “Investing in its future will keep this facility – and its businesses – at the forefront of regional, national and international innovation.”
More than 250 companies currently call Alderley Park home, including Sai Life Sciences, Cancer Research UK, and Charles River. Alderley Park has more than 1m sq ft of lab space at its Mereside bioscience campus, as well as a 232-seat auditorium, meeting rooms, restaurant, outdoor sports pitches, and a gym.
Bruntwood SciTech is a 50:50 joint venture between Bruntwood and Legal & General. In addition to operating Alderley Park, the JV’s portfolio includes Manchester Science Park, Circle Square, and Citylabs 1.0 and 2.0. Earlier this year, Bruntwood and Legal & General announced they were exploring adding a third partner to the SciTech brand.
