Engineering specialist creates ‘People Hub’ for pharma giant
A Warrington engineering group supporting energy transition, has completed a two-year project to transform a redundant pharmaceutical production facility into a state-of-the-art ‘People Hub’.
BGEN is behind the scheme at AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield campus. The project is also part of AstraZeneca’s global strategy to improve the sustainability of its operations.
Created to improve employee collaboration and inclusion through the co-location of teams from different functions, the new hub has been designed and constructed to comply with Pharmaceutical Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
It now provides GMP change facilities for 500 people, as well as a café and collaboration spaces on the ground floor. The first floor is equipped with office and touchdown workspaces, meeting rooms and a new network data hub.
BGEN was appointed by AstraZeneca as the tier one contractor to overhaul the outdated building, which accounted for 7.5% of the campus’s overall energy consumption.
With a brief to reduce energy and re-use materials wherever possible, BGEN delivered the turnkey solutions and was responsible for project management, design, construction, testing and commissioning.
Paul Mannion, BGEN operations manager, said: “This is another prestigious project that BGEN has delivered for AstraZeneca. We have a strong pedigree in managing complex projects and delivering on client requirements, which, in this case, meant focusing on sustainable development.”
BGEN worked closely with the client throughout the project to fully utilise the space of the building and lower energy consumption.
The floor of the hub comprises structural screed with 220mm recycled insulation underneath, the roof is enhanced with over insulation and metal sheeting and
the glazing has been upgraded with new argon-filled glass to retain heat.
In addition, the south-facing windows feature solar shading to ensure the building remains comfortable all year round.
LED lighting, motion sensors and eco-friendly plumbing fixtures have also been installed to control energy usage.
An AstraZeneca spokesperson said: “We have a long term relationship with BGEN, they are a trusted partner to help us improve the infrastructure on campus and deliver on our future ambitions.”
