Astex is a member of one of Japan’s leading pharmaceutical companies, the Otsuka group. They are a leader in innovative drug discovery and development, specifically in the field of cancer and diseases of the central nervous system.

Working with main contractor SDC, we provided the mechanical and electrical services to the Astex building 436 extension in Cambridge. This development is being created to house new multi million pound microscopes for pharmaceutical research. Adaptations to the existing water and electrical services have been managed and installed together with nitrogen compressed air and chillers, domestics, electrical services, fire alarm and security packages. Coordination of the services within incredibly tight roof plant room spaces was a key challenge on the project to facilitate an efficient installation. In order to do this we utilised our in house BIM capabilities and delivered a working model for the client. BF also employed a specialist to install an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) system to ensure the microscopes do not encounter interference when in operating mode.

Following the successful handover of the new build extension we were asked to return to site with SDC to upgrade the HV transformer. This involved a full weekend shut down, whilst not disturbing the building’s supply and to install infrastructure to the clients existing IT room for new data cabinets, fed from a new PDU and UPS system. Most of these works were completed prior to the lockdown with final testing following on once our working methods had been updated to ensure the safety of our workforce.

Role:

Mechanical and Electrical Contractor

Client:

Astex Pharmaceuticals

Main Contractor:

SDC

M & E Consultant:

K J Tait Engineers

Architect:

Saunders Boston Architects

Value:

£1.4M

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