Kier has handed over a new state-of-the-art home for life science organisations in the UK at the Advanced Research Clusters (ARC) West London Refinery Building.

The project has created 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 included the extension and full reconfiguration of the existing four-storey building on site. An additional two-storey extension of laboratory and event space was added, together with a green biodiverse roof for encouraging habitat creation and a new corrosion resistant façade emblemised with Corten steel.

Designed to meet ambitious goals in sustainability, efficiency and adaptability, the concrete structure was retained to reduce demolition waste and conserve embodied carbon.

Key innovation included 350mm in-situ slabs which were used and vital in helping reduce vibrations, which are critical for future tenants when engaging in sensitive scientific research.

Inside, the building has been fully redeveloped to provide space for laboratories, and flexible working areas including a business lounge, design-led offices, co-working spaces and meeting rooms.

The facility also has provision for a restaurant, event studio, presentation suite and cycle facilities for 200 bicycles.

David Rowsell, managing director for Kier Construction London & Thames Valley, says: "The scheme required in-depth experience and technical expertise; not only in delivering large-scale, low carbon developments on a constrained inner-city site, but also next to a public walkway and the River Thames.”

The Refinery development will double ARC West London’s footprint and has been designed to address the shortage of lab space across London and the wider Golden Triangle formed by the university cities of Cambridge, London and Oxford.

It will sit alongside ARC’s accelerator space, Motherlabs. This landmark space will house the thriving innovation community, which has seen a 43% increase in life science start-ups across London and the South East.