Mace appointed to deliver world-class research laboratories at London’s King’s Cross

Mace, the international consultancy and construction company, has been appointed as principal contractor by London-based developer Precis Group to deliver MSD’s UK headquarters and discovery centre within Belgrove House on Euston Road. 

The specialised life sciences centre will create over 1,000 construction jobs and, once complete, it will be used for breakthrough research focusing on diseases of ageing and human biology to discover new life-saving medicines.

Belgrove House is located directly opposite King’s Cross Square and St. Pancras International and King’s Cross station with connectivity to the UK and into Europe. The site is located within the capital’s ‘Knowledge Quarter’, the development will become home for approximately 850 clinical researchers and office staff.

Alongside the specialised life science space, it will also deliver meaningful benefits for the local community including an education and outreach centre, publicly accessible auditorium and a new step-free entrance for King’s Cross station. The global healthcare giant will also be delivering an educational outreach programme in collaboration with Camden STEAM.

Designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the ten-storey development will deliver circa 180,000 sq.ft of net lettable space for MSD.

It has been designed using sustainable materials and includes an innovative double-skin façade to reduce solar gain. Carbon emissions generated through construction, operation and future fit-out will be reduced.

Terry Spraggett, Managing Director PREACH, Mace said:

“We are extremely proud to have been appointed as main contractor on what will be a flagship development for the UK’s life sciences industry.

“The strong sustainability and community outreach opportunities of this project align perfectly with Mace’s purpose and priorities.

“Belgrove House will build on our strong track record in delivering pioneering life-science facilities and we can’t wait to start on site.’’

Faaiza Lalji, Director of Planning and Development at Precis, said:

“This appointment is a major milestone for this exciting project for London - delivering a specialised life-sciences centre for breakthrough research with new opportunities for collaboration and a vision to inspire people in Camden by giving them access through employment and training opportunities.

“Mace’s role as contractor will be pivotal in delivering this innovative project for the city.”

Construction will begin in April 2023, with completion expected at the end of 2025.