Mission Street and BGO have awarded Bowmer + Kirkland the main works contract for Fabrica, the largest science contract in the UK of 2025 so far
With construction set to begin in May following the completion of groundworks and site preparation by Colemans, the 180,000 sq ft Fabrica project will be the UK’s largest ground-up science project to start in the first half of 2025.
The Fabrica scheme is located on Botley Road in Oxford’s West End, within walking distance of the main train station, university and city centre amenities.
The scheme will also provide over 7,000 sq ft of amenities across five floors, including an F&B offering open to both occupiers and the wider public, intended to bridge the gap between science and the community.
Adding to Oxford’s sustainable science scene
Fabrica is the first commercial science building in the UK to target a BREEAM Outstanding certification, and is designed to the highest sustainability standards, including EPC A and WiredScore Platinum. It will also be Oxford’s first Living Wage building, requiring all employees working within it to receive a Living Wage or higher. Bowmer + Kirkland will engage the local workforce in the scheme’s construction as part of its procurement commitments.
Bowmer + Kirkland is also engaged under a Pre-Contract Services Agreement at Mission Street and BGO’s 23-acre District East in Cambridge, among the UK’s largest planned science schemes. Selected by Mission Street for its positive track record in science and innovation projects, Bowmer + Kirkland has completed 2.6m sq ft in the last five years, at a total value of £661m.
Delivering successs in the burgeoning life sciences sector
Colin Brown, development director at Mission Street, said: “Following a collaborative, positive procurement process, Bowmer + Kirkland will shortly take forward the science and innovation sector’s biggest construction start of 2025 so far. As science companies increasingly look to central Oxford for its extensive amenities and unrivalled transport connections, which will include the future link to East West Rail, Fabrica’s delivery represents a major vote of confidence in the UK market.”
Neil Brook, group construction director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as the construction partner for this exciting and innovative lab, office, and collaboration space in the heart of Oxford, strengthening our existing relationship with Mission Street and BGO in the rapidly evolving life sciences sector.
“Our teams approached this project collaboratively from the start, allowing us to complete the tender process in just 10 weeks. We look forward to starting on-site at the end of May with a 96-week programme.”
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