New life science facility in London celebrates topping out ceremony

A new life science facility in London’s Knowledge Quarter has celebrated a landmark milestone in its development.

Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed by Kadans Science Partner to build 5-10 Brandon Road, a new four-storey, high specification building which, when complete, will provide dedicated and flexible life science and technology space for the needs of London’s fast-growing innovation and R&D market.

The topping out ceremony marked the final structural beam being raised into place, completing the building’s frame.

Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s area director for London, said: “The topping out ceremony at Kadans’ Brandon Road site was a great opportunity to reflect on how this vital project will facilitate collaboration among world-class research and innovation organisations within London’s vibrant innovation cluster. This boost to the city’s life science sector will tackle the overwhelming demand for high specification lab space and ensure that research is translated rapidly into new products and technologies. 

“By leveraging our team’s outstanding experience in successfully delivering complex projects in high profile locations across the capital, we have been working to create a sustainable, future-fit building which will enhance the UK’s reputation as a leader within the life science industry. Close, collaborative work with our project partners and supply chain has been central to creating a state-of-the-art development that will have a positive economic legacy through training and employment opportunities.” 

Will Fogden, Kadans Science Partner’s senior development manager (UK & Ireland), said: “5-10 Brandon Road will provide a unique stack of CL2 labs with manufacturing space and it’s exciting to reach this important milestone in the development process. From inception, the technical specification of the building has remained a central focus and coupled with the quality of design ensures this space responds to the industrial heritage of its surroundings. It is brilliant to see the building take shape and we look forward to welcoming a rich mix of tenants in Q2 2024.” 

The building, which will contain a Cat A laboratory and Cat A ancillary write up/office fit out, will help facilitate greater collaboration and growth between innovators, clinicians, researchers, and investors within sci-tech clusters in London and nationally. The development also includes a service yard, cycle parking, refuse and recycling facilities, associated landscaping, drainage, and statutory services.  

The ceremony was attended by representatives from Morgan Sindall, Kadans, David Miller Architects, HDR Bradbrook, Hoare Lea, CB3 and PSK, who were given a tour of the site. Following speeches, a traditional trowel was presented to Kadans to mark the occasion and attendees were invited to sign the building’s concrete parapet.