Client Wiltshire Council
Facility Collaborative Research and Innovation Centre
Location Porton Science Park, Porton Down Wiltshire
Building Size 3,576m2
No. of Modules 83
Project summary
Porton Science Park, located at the Porton Down Science Campus in South Wiltshire, provides a platform for sector* related SMEs to innovate and collaborate. This project is the second phase of a Master Development Plan for Porton Science Park with plans to create a further 7 buildings in the near future. Delivered by McAvoy, the state-ofthe-art facility covers an impressive 22,000 sq ft across 2 storeys and sits adjacent to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
*Health, Life Sciences and Defence Technology
Design & build
The layout and design of the Lyle Building were carefully considered to encourage collaborative working and be conducive to the work being carried out within the premises.
The building includes offices, digital laboratories, a tearoom, welfare areas, reception as well as lettable laboratories, conference space, meeting rooms, break out rooms, storage and a sprint room.
Sustainability is at the heart of this project which was further emphasised by installing a full PV system on the roof which contributed to achieving the required BREEAM rating of excellent.
A Building to Champion Offsite Construction
McAvoy was awarded the project through the Southern Modular Buildings Framework due to its reputation for offsite manufacturing excellence, alongside its innovative offering which enabled its qualification as the contractor best placed to deliver this challenging project.
The first building at the science park was constructed using traditional methods which typically take 30-50% longer to complete. By using offsite construction, McAvoy was able to provide the client with enhanced programme certainty, ensuring a more predictable timeline, and a realistic budget forecast, leading to a more efficient and successful project outcome.
McAvoy worked alongside Wiltshire Council to create the building design whilst Dstl oversaw construction security.
McAvoy took the project from planning through design to completion, including fit out. Scope of works also included external landscaping a car park.
Offsite Innovation
Offsite construction comes with many benefits – for this project, almost two-thirds of construction was completed offsite at the McAvoy’s 70,000sq ft purpose-built manufacturing facility creating significant programme savings and 99% of waste was diverted from landfill enhancing its sustainability credentials. McAvoy modules can also be easily reused, repurposed and relocated which can significantly reduce the embodied carbon, compared to building new each time.
The 83 modules were delivered to site with plumbing, electrics and internal partitions all in place. The roof coverings, external windows and doors were also installed in McAvoy’s state-of-the-art factory prior to arrival on site increasing efficiencies and creating a safer working environment by reducing health and safety risks in a factory-controlled environment.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
“We are delighted with this new facility which will attract and retain high value businesses and jobs, complementing Porton Science Park’s vital role in supporting the unique science and technology expertise at Porton Down.”