Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) and Kier have hosted a topping-out ceremony at ARC West London’s Refinery development in Hammersmith to mark the completion of the main structure.
When complete, the building will provide a state-of-the-art new home for life science organisations in the UK.
The project will create 150,000 sq. ft of high-spec laboratory, research and development space under one roof. Located on the Northern Embankment of the River Thames, the project includes the extension and full reconfiguration of the existing four-storey building on site. Two additional storeys, a green roof, and a new façade will be added.
The space will be fully redeveloped to provide laboratories and flexible working spaces, including a business lounge, design-led offices, co-working spaces and meeting rooms. The facility will also have a restaurant and café, event studio, presentation suite and cycle facilities for 200 bicycles.
David Rowsell, managing director for Kier Construction London, said: “We are proud to have reached this significant milestone at Refinery, a showcase development for innovation and technology in West London. The life science sector is a key sector for us with fantastic opportunities for growth, and today’s event gives us the opportunity to celebrate the expertise, hard work and dedication of the team responsible for delivering such a remarkable building.”
Daniel Pagella, Senior Director for Asset Management at ARC, said: “The research and innovation produced in London is world-class, yet the facilities available for the next generation of innovators is scarce and rarely fit for purpose. ARC West London will provide the platform our future customers need to attract the talent and funding necessary to turn their world-changing ideas into reality.
“We’re delighted to have reached this important milestone and would like to thank Kier and all our partners for helping us bring our vision for Refinery to life.”
The Refinery development will double ARC West London’s footprint and has been designed to address the crippling shortage of lab space across London and the wider Golden Triangle and will sit alongside ARCs accelerator space Motherlabs. The landmark space will house the thriving innovation community, which has seen a 43 per cent increase* in life science start-ups across London and the South East.
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