Work finishes on completion of Biochemistry building
The newest building in the Science Area was handed over on 13 January 2021, following agreement by the Project Board that the work on the building's second phase has now reached the milestone of Practical Completion
The project provides outstanding new facilities for interdisciplinary science across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences and Medical Sciences divisions. It follows the building's first phase, New Biochemistry, finished in 2008, and provides further laboratory space as well as areas designed to facilitate interdisciplinary working. The overall structure is the largest laboratory building the University has ever constructed.
The project has been finished ahead of schedule and under budget despite extremely challenging circumstances, including the Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainty over Brexit - a tribute to the teamwork and professionalism of all involved. The design and delivery was managed by the Capital Projects team within Estates Services.
As well as the Department of Biochemistry, the building will hold the Kavli Institute for NanoScience Discovery. This is a recently-announced research unit that aims to combine expertise from scientists in fields from structural biology to physics, physiology and engineering to make breakthroughs in the emerging field of nanoscience - breakthroughs that could have huge social and economic benefits. Other research units focusing on the interface between the life and physical sciences are also expected to move into the building.
There are still a few minor cosmetic snags to fix, but the building is now complete, and it is now in the hands of its users. The focus is now on making sure they can move into the building and start work with a minimum of disruption. Tasks remaining include the installation of office furniture and core scientific equipment such as autoclaves and glass washers. Once this is done, scientists should start moving into the building in April.
