The redevelopment of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) East Malling Research (EMR) site in Kent is our 4th major scheme for the crop research organisation. Phase 1 of this project incorporates the overall project infrastructure including power and water, a facilities building, a new 2000m2 glass house, polytunnels, growth rooms and cold rooms. Further phases have been designed to provide an additional facility building and supplementary glass houses/polytunnels. The facilities building nr1 encompasses a new flag ship reception, office spaces, meeting rooms, staff break-out areas, ancillary provisions, cold stores, growth rooms, and a potting facility. Externally, there is a new car park area with electric vehicle charging points, covered cycle storage and extensive landscaping.

The mechanical and electrical design was developed in close collaboration with the client and provides for extensive specialist requirements such as heating and cooling fermenting lines serving various vessels and an emergency extract system for the fermenting hall. The design of phase 1 also features a new 1Mva UKPN power supply and distribution to accommodate future phases.

The new NIAB Southeast hub presents the UK’s horticulture and viticulture industry with access to a new state-of-the-art research base. Trials at this centre will focus on creating sustainable growing systems to help UK food production become more resilient to climate change. NIAB’s leading research experts assist businesses to use natural resources like water more efficiently and seek to cut carbon emissions during production.

Role:

Design & Build M&E Contractor

Client:

NIAB

Main Contractor:

SDC Builders

M & E Consultant:

Roger Parker Associates

Value:

£900K

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