Pharmaceutical Company & COEL

The brief

A large pharmaceutical company tasked COEL with expanding their footprint in Granta Centre following Phase One of the project. This included a significant number of specialised laboratories, welcoming spaces to host clients and flexible spaces to accommodate for future growth. This multiple-stage project brings together all depts and teams currently located at three different locations and accommodate their expansion.

This phase of the project included:

• Bold and significant new kitchen / breakout space
• Several open-plan offices
• Formal and informal meeting areas
• Impressive reception
• Boardroom

The challenge

Conducting major building works in an occupied, multi-tenant building was the primary challenge for this project. However, having previously worked in the building, COEL were familiar with the environment and, consequently, able to mitigate potential risks.

We used COEL to convert circa. 20,000 sq ft of conferencing space into purpose built laboratory and office facilities. Our laboratories comprise of Chemistry, Biology, Production, QC and Engineering so we have quite specific needs and also wanted to create an aspirational workplace for our staff. Our challenging brief required a fit out company who could really understand our needs and work with us to achieve a complex design and fit out. COEL were selected following a competitive tender process as a result of their understanding of the brief and the production of a costing pack that was clear and within budget. After selection, there was still significant work to be done to finalise the design, understand the specific technical requirements for the labs, as well as incorporate the company’s new branding into the look and feel of the offices and furniture.

Philip Butterfield, Director of Health, Safety and Facilities.

The End Result

This project included extensive M&E work with additional work commissioned by the landlord to upgrade the space and meet the client needs, which had to be added to the existing program.

Despite the challenging brief, the project was completed within budget and on time. The result is a range of magnificent, state-of-the-art, non-clinical, lab spaces, with extensive breakout spaces, which incorporate the client’s new branding and a sense of personality.

The team are delighted with the final delivery of the space which exceeded the expectations and aspirations of our employees.

Philip Butterfield, Director of Health, Safety and Facilities

Image curtesy of Harrison Bunning Photography