Works starts on new medical research building

CONSTRUCTION work is now under way on a new multi-million pound science centre which it is hoped will help develop cell treatments for patients.

Rugby-based contractor Stepnell is on site at the University of Warwick, building its new Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, part of the Warwick Medical School which celebrated its 10th birthday in September.

The centre, an artist’s impression of which is below, is 891 sq metres over two floors with a with a rooftop plant floor of 487 sq metres.

It is expected to be open for business late next year or early 2012 when it will house researchers focussing on the basic science of cells and molecular systems, applying new knowledge to develop treatments.

University of Warwick is ploughing £3.4m into the project with a further £1m coming from charity the Wolfson Foundation and £1.9m from Advantage West Midlands.

The building is being constructed to BREEAM excellent standards and it is hoped it will have an ‘A’ rated energy efficiency certificate due to installation of a ground-to-air heat exchange system.

It will initially be home to four research teams, led by the centre’s director Professor Rob Cross, Dr Andrew McAinsh, Dr Anne Straube and Dr Nick Carter who were formerly part of the Marie Curie Research Institute.

University vice-chancellor Professor Nigel Thrift said: “We are delighted to be commencing building works. The Medical School has gone from strength to strength over the last decade and this new facility is a testament to the hard work of our staff to continue to strive to push the boundaries of clinical research.”

Professor Cross added: “Over the last year, Warwick has encouraged scientists to work closely with the building design team.

“The new building will have a tremendous impact on our science, and is an important symbol of the commitment of Warwick Medical School to world class biomedical research.”