Facilities for pioneering research

Advanced research testing facility delivered urgently for COVID-19 testing.

Project partners

  • WSP
  • Gray Baynes & Shew

Key features

  • Clean rooms
  • Temperature controls
  • Pressure regimes
  • HVAC testing
  • Cold rooms
  • Chemical drainage

Project description

The Berkshire and Surrey COVID-19 Laboratory Testing Service at Bracknell Healthspace was delivered as part of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The laboratory, which was delivered under the Procure Partnership Framework, was one of a network of laboratories designed to ramp up the UK’s testing capacity. The facilities were built on the top floor of Bracknell Healthspace clinic across 25,000 sq. ft.

Worktops, shelving and furniture were installed within the laboratories and the fit out included a new reception desk, kitchen and walk-in cold store with bespoke shelving. A dedicated lift was installed to transport test samples to the laboratory. New M&E systems, AV and security provisions were installed throughout, and an IT room was built with connections to the existing ground and first floor communications rooms. The work also included new toilets, showers and wash basins.

Delivering in occupation

Bracknell Healthspace was occupied during the delivery of the project so we liaised closely with staff to keep disruption at bay so they could continue keeping the clinic operational. All traffic management, deliveries and power shutdowns were carefully coordinated with the clinic.

This was a fast track programme due to the urgency of the pandemic and major design changes had to be accommodated during the construction phase to keep up with the fast-paced environment. The project was finished on time and within budget.

The new laboratory operates 24/7 and tested thousands of COVID-19 samples every day, collected from testing centres, care homes and houses across the South East of England. As well as increasing testing capacity, the new laboratory will help shape the future and created hundreds of jobs in the local community.

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