Following the completion of a new building for the Centre For Cancer Drug Discovery (CCDD) in February 2020 at their Sutton site, ICR employed the services of H&V Building Services to work alongside the original design team to carry out post contract modifications to incorporate ICR’s final scientific requirements for the new facility to meet the ever-changing needs of the scientific research teams.

The post contract works commenced during the first COVID lockdown in March 2020 which hindered progress in relation to extended lead-in of specialist plant and materials, the need to work in a safe, socially distanced manner notwithstanding the difficulties of having to deal with numerous subsequent lockdowns and changing site rules.

As a result of the above, progressive handovers of various areas were met throughout the end of 2020 and early 2021, this enabled ICR to progress with important scientific drug discovery.

The works consisted of:

• Reconfiguration of various laboratory/research areas including darkrooms, microscope room, visualisation suite and biology laboratories including new laboratory benching and furniture, new glazed partitions including automated blinds, suspended ceilings, and vinyl floor finishes
• Ad hoc works around the premise including bespoke mobile laboratory benching, wall tiling to various locations, gas storage cages and concrete bases to house same, external rainscreen cladding and insulation of various doorsets
• Electrical works included alterations and adaptations to fire alarm and door access control, reconfiguration and modifications to power and lighting and installation of new changeover switch panels
• Modification and extension of domestic water services
• Supply and installation of new supply air and extract air VAV units including the associated ductwork distribution modification works and controls installation
• Extension and adaption of local LTHW pipework to supply air VAV unit heater batteries
• Installation of new piped carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon laboratory gas services
• Installation of life safety carbon dioxide and oxygen depletion monitoring systems to all laboratory areas and piped distribution routes
• Modification and extension of vacuum and compressed air services
• Installation of new emergency ventilation systems
• Design, supply, installation, and commissioning of dedicated critical alarm system