MEPC have announced the practical completion of “Nebula” - the new research and development project at Milton Park, Oxfordshire.
Sustainable research and development
The £40M development comprises seven sustainable research and development workspaces totalling nearly 80,000 sq ft, with the design and build being focused on environmentally conscious materials, including bespoke glulam (glue-laminated) timber frames instead of the more commonly used steel frames, saving approximately 686 tonnes of CO2 – the equivalent of 196 return flights to Hong Kong.
Nebula’s occupiers will benefit from MEPC’s £7M investment in Milton Park’s energy infrastructure, including EV charging for 32 vehicles. Targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A ratings, the project also maximised sustainability by donating surplus wood to RAW Workshop, an Oxfordshire social enterprise, for recycling into educational materials and new products.
The completion comes on the heels of the Government’s recent announcement to enhance infrastructure and attract investment into the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, aiming to generate up to £78bn for the economy by 2035 and establish the region as a leading global hub for science and innovation.
Our role
Ridge was appointed from the outset of the project for Project Management, Cost Management, MEP, Principal Designer and Geospatial services. Navigating the project through the design options appraisal, the team considered the structural form, materiality and sustainability of the buildings, leading to receiving statutory approvals via Milton Park’s Local Development Order, a streamlined planning approach. Alongside this, we also managed the demolition of the previous building. All appointed roles continued post contract, with the addition of Employer’s Agent and Sustainability services.
Ashley Pogson, Project Lead for Ridge commented on the milestone: “Handing this project over marks a proud achievement personally and professionally. The entire team remained focussed from the outset on delivering to the vision, which the glulam frame is at the heart of. We look forward to continuing to deliver characterful buildings for MEPC”.
Overcoming challenges
Our teams navigated through significant market change in order to procure the main works, showing agility through different procurement methods.
Commenting on the completion, Science Minister and Oxford-Cambridge Innovation Champion, Lord Vallance, said: “Modern, high-tech facilities are essential to taking full advantage of rapidly developing science and technology and in fulfilling our ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor to be an economic engine for the whole of the UK.
“Nebula’s new development of large-scale innovation space will support a range of growing industries, helping businesses to get off the ground and progress, and in turn supporting this Government’s number one mission of economic growth.”
For more information about this project or to find out how we can help your project, please contact Ashley Pogson on ashleypogson@ridge.co.uk.
