Home Case studies Fortrea Drapers Yard

Leeds' latest Life Science Centre of Excellence

Drapers Yard in Leeds has been transformed into a dynamic Life Science Centre of Excellence, blending modern design with the building’s industrial heritage. The space now features cutting-edge clinical facilities, inviting office environments and a rooftop sanctuary, all aimed at enhancing wellbeing and delivering innovation.

Project partners

  • CBRE - Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor
  • DLA Architecture - Architect
  • FHPP - Mechanical & Electrical
  • Ikon Architecture - Cat A Architect
"I loved working with the team. This was a high profile project within our business, an an important one for us as a market leader in clinical research provision. What we originally saw was a wreck of a building - what the team brought was a vision to turn that building into arguably the most advanced facility of its type anywhere in the world."

Heather Saywell, Fortrea

Key features

  • Roof top refurbishment
  • Cat A and Cat B works
  • 100-bed clinic and GMP pharmacy
  • Teaching facilities
  • Wellness features

Fortrea wanted to create a gold standard life science facility in Leeds, specifically focusing on clinical pharmacology investigational services. The desire was to provide a more effective and comfortable environment for testing, becoming a Life Science Centre of Excellence. As well as the GMP clinic space, the building needed to include office space for the supporting functions.

Revitalised in aid of science

The refurbishment of Drapers Yard presented a unique and exciting opportunity to reincarnate a contemporary space within the existing industrial fabric. From the outset the design approach sought to pay homage to the building’s past, whilst looking forward to its future. The project involved an extensive Cat A and Cat B fit out running in part parallel to landlord works. The project also consisted of the complete refurbishment of the ground and first floor including a 100-bed clinic and pharmacy. Stealing the show was the delivery of a statement roof terrace with its sustainable and energy efficient environment designed to enhance occupant wellbeing.

The two-storey building with additional roof terrace has three defined functions that are separated by level. The ground floor offers a varied mixture of office space for 200 staff, to provide a consolidated space for increased efficiency, decision-making, breakout and collaboration. In addition to this, there is also a front of house meeting room suite, a screening area for clinical trials participants and dedicated pharmacy space, with two sterile and two nonsterile prep rooms. The pharmacy and back of house areas have their own dedicated entrance and service road, to streamline operations.

In the office space, the building has been opened up extensively to express the existing concrete structure. This addresses the client’s aspirations to become a modern-day office occupier with a large, flexible floorplate and on-site amenities for its users. The design of the common and office spaces creates an uplifting working environment, promoting interaction and a sense of community. The first floor provides overnight accommodation for 100 research participants. There are dining facilities linked to in-house kitchens, and supporting work and recreation rooms comprising of pool tables, board and video games and soft seating areas to entertain the visitors during their stay.

Roof top sanctuary

The roof terrace has been given a completely new lease of life, with its extensive garden amenities separated into two private areas for both trial participants and staff respectively. The garden space encourages employee and perticipant wellbeing and engagement, contributing to its success as a positive place to work and stay. The roof garden enjoys a rich mix of high-quality red cedar, standing seam zinc and porcelain tiled walkways that work alongside the zen gardens, bespoke metal planters and grassed areas. A fully functioning bar/ servery area can be enjoyed by staff for large outdoor events. Dedicated toilet facilities ensure that this function is appropriately independent of the lower levels.

Refurbishment for the future

The prolonging of the useful life of the building by creating a new chapter in its history has transformed how a new generation of users can experience it. The project has revitalised and repurposed a high-quality environment; supporting jobs and leading the way in biomedical science. The sustainable elements introduced at Drapers Yard have helped the building achieve a “Very Good” BREEAM rating.

The project was recently recognised by the BCO by winning the Refurbished/Recycled Workplace award at the Northern region level. It is clear to see that Drapers Yard has lifted the spirits for so many. The building has not only directly improved the experience for its staff and visitors but but also the wider community and city of Leeds.

  • Drapers Yard, Leeds
  • 75,000 sq ft
  • 79 weeks
  • BREEAM
  • BCO Northern Regional Refurbish/Recycle Award

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